As Jim Bob sat there looking at his father he knew what had to be done. He would have to call his boss and request a leave of absence. His boss was a nice guy and would understand. He would stay on the ranch as long as he was needed, even if it meant losing his part-time job and not finishing college. His family and the ranch were that important to him.

After his father suffers a debilitating stroke, Jim Bob Johnson returns to the Johnson family ranch, in the southwestern United States, which has been in the family for three generations. The ranch also has oil wells, and the management of these falls to Jim Bob. His father returns home and cannot do any work. He is still mad at Jim Bob for going off to college. Jim Bob stays, in spite of his father's anger towards him.

Jim Bob is thrust into taking charge of both the ranching and oil business.

Shortly after his return, Jim Bob runs into his old girlfriend, Lillian. Although they have a rough time getting reacquainted, they soon reconcile their differences and make plans to get married.

But will Jim Bob and Lillian stay in Ochoa to raise the next generation of Johnsons? Can they keep up with the demanding pace required to operate a ranch?