It's 1920 when life in the small pit village of Craston becomes so unbearable that Millie Mercer's mother Teresa escapes with her daughter to the nearby town of Ashborough. They find work at the dilapidated Station Hotel where Millie meets Dan Nixon, a dangerously charming man who is to change her destiny forever. For Dan is the local hero; a professional footballer who sees his future not in the pit but on the pitch, playing first division football for Newcastle United. Mille can't believe her luck when Dan asks her to marry him. His looks, his passion for the sport and his determination to succeed make the future of his dreams one of happiness and prosperity. But it's not long before Dan's drinking habits and rumours of his womanising threaten to damage both his career and his family. When tragedy strikes and an old, well-kept secret is finally exposed, Millie realises she has spent too long chasing dreams and that true happiness can always be found in reality.