Forrest Schwartz feels abandoned by his biological mother, his adoptive mother, and his step-mother. He has a chip on his shoulder towards motherhood, and females in general. However, he has taken on the role of "mothering" an infant whose mother he paid not to abort the child. His adoptive father pays the bills for Forrest to go to school; and Forrest pretends to get an education, taking a class or two, while actually spending most of his time caring for the baby. Forrest reluctantly accepts the help of Robyn Woolsey, a fellow student. A tragedy ends their association, but years later, they meet again. This time, Robyn is the one overwhelmed with single parenthood and a mature and confident Forrest is in a position to help. But Robyn resists and resents his help, even while she feels a strong attraction to him.