After an American marine surveyor adventures the North Sea, he returns home to his wife only to face unspeakable tragedy. Many years later, will his attempt to return to a North Sea port for a chance at romance breathe happiness back into the widowed naval officer?

SYNOPSIS:

Summer 1981. A young, handsome merchant mariner, TONY KIRKLAND (23), has always been drawn to the sea almost in the form of an obsession, so he's beside himself when he's about to embark on his first tour. He'll be leaving Texas for Northern Europe, where he'll experience the legendary North Sea firsthand. Tony can be arrogant and self-righteous, as he's calculated every move, and life is unfolding as he planned—the beautiful wife, the fulfilling job, fast cars, and a future filled with family and prestige.

Life soon starts to chip away at his ego. While away on his first tour, his ship barely survives a treacherous storm, but an angel holds him afloat. At the port in Holland Tony is unexpectedly challenged when he experiences undeniable feelings for this angel—ANIKA DEKKER (22), his obvious soul mate. Resisting Anika is almost impossible for Tony, and his pregnant wife ELAINE (25) is waiting for his return. Tony's nothing without his convictions, so he remains a faithful husband...But is it all in vain?

Once back home in Texas, life humbles him even more. He faces the shocking death of his pregnant wife. During a typical marital spat, while Tony drives them home, his concentration strays from the road, the couple exchanging harsh words. A deadly car accident takes Elaine and the baby. A guilt-ridden, soul-crushed Tony tries to move on, but then his beloved mom dies while he's away at sea again. He becomes hollow, now only going through the motions of life—alone.

Sixteen years pass by in a blink, and Tony's 39. He’s a tenured biology professor, a Navy Reserve Commander, and invested his life savings in a new American science lab. Though he's dated, Tony’s still single—he can't get over his guilt about Elaine, often drowning his sorrows in booze. Finally, though, a welcome surprise...An old friend from his first job on the North Sea changes Tony’s whole outlook. They reminisce, and his friend corrects Tony's long-held misunderstanding that Anika only saw Tony as another cute sailor to flirt with for high tips. The realization that Anika cared for him more than he thought is exhilarating, but Tony doesn't believe he deserves happiness...until he receives a life-changing piece of mail.

Tony learns that Elaine was having an affair during his entire tour on the North Sea. Of course, Tony sees red, but his anger is soon replaced with memories of Anika--sweet, sensual, and the one who understood him better than anyone. Tony's energized. He flies to Holland. His new dream: find Anika, fall in love, and bring her to the U.S. As fate would have it, she's there. They pick up where they left off, but neither wants to move to the other's home country. Will one have a change of heart?