After traversing the globe, Gardener returns ten years later, as a rich and powerful man who wishes to reignite the flame he once shared with Naomi, a beautiful and sensual half-Cherokee woman. However, believing that his one true love has taken residence with another and both gave way to child, he fights to let go of the past and wishes to live a quiet life of southern solitude.Tormented, Gardener becomes emotionally entangled with an alluring schoolmarm, Adeline, who spins a web of lies about her up and coming divorce. Unbeknownst to Gardener, her only intention is to acquire his newly obtained status.Determined to stop Gardener from encountering Naomi and discovering a hidden truth, Adeline turns on her feminine charms and the two begin a torrid affair - a means in which to stop Gardener from realizing his true heart. Just as Adeline succeeds with step one of her erotic plan, a chance encounter with Naomi lights Gardener's heart on fire and sends him back in time, a time of his greatest passion and now, nothing seems sure.