Jack McMahon is a commissioned officer in the United States Army serving as an aide to a lieutenant general in the Pentagon. He soon falls in love with Captain Jessica Caldwell, a beautiful young officer who stood at the top of her class at West Point point and is bound for the stars--she hopes to become the first female general in the Army. Jack and Jessica share their hopes and dreams, but Jack's dream is to earn a doctorate in literature and become a writer and college professor. When Jessica is unable or unwilling to give up her Army career, their paths begin to diverge, even though they live together. When she is transferred to Fort Dix, New Jersey, their romance becomes strained, but their love is deep enough that they can carry on, even as Jack leaves the Army and enters graduate school. When Jessica is transferred overseas, their long-time friendship is tested to the limit. When she gets orders to a combat zone, Jack prays for her safety and quick return. He gives Jessica a gold friendship ring declaring his undying love for her. The two star-crossed lovers are tested to the breaking point, and Jack wonders if they can survive, resting his hopes on the fact that he has pledged his love to Jessica forever.