The boy, David, who is heading to Wyoming, takes Sage the rest of the way, giving her time to meditate on her family and her unborn child, and what kind of life she hopes to give it. During this trek, David and Sage form an uneasy bond, and Sage accompanies David on a raid on a puppy farm when David frees the trapped animals. When Daisy realizes Sage is going back to Wyoming, she flies there to wait for her, and while there she and James finally begin to heal themselves of the pain of losing their son. Rice's lyrical writing beautifully reflects both the physical landscape and the landscape of the heart that Daisy and James explore as they cope with their tragedy and pray for the safe return of their daughter. As they spend more time together, they rediscover their love for each other.
Rice works several Western myths and legends into the story with a deft touch.
One such myth is that of the snow goose, a common bird in Wyoming that mates for life. When Daisy and James go horseback riding in the snow-covered hills, the snow geese symbolize their renewed connection. Rice weaves multiple subplots into the novel about grandparents and relatives, something that could be distracting in the hands of a less-skilled author. Rice's use of these subplots gives the characters a history. Yet Rice never loses her focus, even when switching between events in Wyoming and Nebraska.