The City of Laketon, Michigan hosts a car ferry hub that crosses Lake Michigan to the city of Magawakin, Wisconsin each day. The ferry, also known as the Wolverine, crosses with a host of vehicles and passengers for the eight-hour round trip. Travelers enjoy top deck amenities such as a restaurant, movie theater, live entertainment, and fun things for kids, including a play area for children and a gaming room for teens.

Jude completed an apprenticeship with the Captain of the Wolverine and was immediately hired as the First Mate. He is a favorite with both residents and the ship’s amazing guests, especially the ladies. Many flirt with him during the crossing, and he is never short of offers for dates. However, none of these ladies interest him as much as Helen, who is the new Director of Children’s Activities. She is the first lady, though, who doesn’t appear to be interested in him for anything other than the brawn needed to move things around in her space.

As time goes on Jude and Helen grow closer, but still, there is some distance between them as he can tell she is not being upfront with him about something. When a guest from her past recognizes her one day, a flurry of a storm is released. Soon, some nosy busybodies in town demand that she come clean with her secrets. Helen is keeping a stiff upper lip and choosing not to defend herself until an angry new passenger brings everything to a head with four hours of tension on the ship.