The novel opens in Laramie, Wyoming, 10 years prior to the narrative present. Nineteen-year-old Lily Wilder and 22-year-old Leo Grady are on Lily’s family ranch, Wilder Ranch. They wake up together and sit on the porch with coffee. Looking at Leo, Lily feels excited to start every day this way. The couple kisses and Lily asks if Leo knows where her father Duke Wilder is. She wouldn’t be surprised if he left without saying goodbye again. Duke has been going on treasure-hunting adventures ever since Lily could remember and doesn’t like being on the ranch for long. Lily dismisses her concerns, glad that Leo is there to stay. She hopes they can take over and run the ranch together.

Duke appears and says goodbye to Lily. After he leaves, Lily finds a note from him containing another one of his riddles. Duke loves puzzles and ciphers but Lily can’t stand his games. Duke leaves and Lily brushes away her thoughts to focus on Leo. She’s glad he’s not returning to his life in New York. They kiss and promise they’ll be happy together forever.