In 1917, 19-year-old Charlie Kelly lives with his family working a large ranch outside Fort Sumner, New Mexico. But Charlie is tired of fixing everyone's problems, especially the ones his father creates. Charlie wants to become a "top hand" at the world-famous Miller's 101 Ranch in northern Oklahoma. A confrontation in Fort Sumner forces the Kelly family to leave New Mexico, and is the push that Charlie needs to chase his dream.

But the road to becoming a cowboy at the 101 Ranch takes many twists and turns, and Charlie encounters a major detour when he meets Susan. She captures his heart, despite being married, and Charlie soon finds that his plan faces major conflicts that forces Charlie to make some tough decisions. Through it all Charlie struggles to fulfill his destiny.