Maxine and Kenny love each other very much, and nothing can tear them apart. So why do they feel so distanced from one another? Maybe it's because Maxine wants to spread her wings and her words by taking a writing class. But Kenny doesn't want to do anything to upset the status quo -- specifically Maxine's status as a wife and mother. Their arguments may be many, but there is one thing that Maxine and Kenny can agree on: they disagree.

Encouraged by her sisters Teri and Bird, Maxine takes the class and finds herself developing a deep connection with her writing instructor. He is a successful, sensuous man who seems to under-stand the secrets of her soul. As he encourages and nurtures her talents, Maxine gets a sense of fulfillment that her husband no longer provides. Stubborness blinds Kenny, and no advice from Teri, Bird, or even Lem can make him see the path on which his marriage is traveling. With their lives seemingly taking different directions, how are these two sensible, sensitive adults supposed to stay together -- faithfully, and forever?

Baby sister Bird and her husband, Lem, are having a rough time. Lem has a secure job with his brother-in-law Kenny, but he still feels like the charity case of the family -- and he wants to make it on his own with his own business. But with his checkered past, Lem knows it will be tough to find anyone to front him the cash -- legally, at least.

Lem's attempt to get the money on the sly brings him into conflict with Bird's eldest sister, Teri, who finds out that Lem may be slipping into his old, shady habits. When Bird learns of this, the stress of worrying about her husband, her business, and her future proves too much, and her health begins to suffer badly -- bringing her family together, and forcing Bird and Lem to decide how much they mean to each other, and whether they're willing to risk losing their dreams and everything they've worked for.