Sam, frustrierter Möchtegern-Schriftsteller, liebt Kate, Sozialarbeiterin im Krankenhaus. Als Kate ihm erklärt, dass sie Kinder haben möchte, verstrickt Sam sich immer tiefer in seine eigene Unsicherheit. Er will Kate nicht verlieren, hat aber Angst vor seiner Vaterrolle.
Set against the backdrop of a 1952 summer night, the story explores the unconventional marriage between Prate Marshbanks, a high school dropout and house painter, and Irene, a college graduate from a prominent family. Their love story defies societal expectations, sparking curiosity about their unlikely pairing. As they celebrate fifty years together, Prate reflects on their enduring bond and the challenges that lie ahead, highlighting themes of love, resilience, and the complexities of relationships.