One sunny morning in 1969, Frances Ellerby finds herself in a place called Stiltsville, a community of houses built on pilings in the middle of Biscayne Bay. It's the first time the Atlanta native has been out on the open water, and she's captivated. On the dock of a stilt house, with the dazzling Miami skyline in the distance, she meets the house's owner, Dennis DuVal—and a new future reveals itself.

Van wonders if there is a special hell for jealous bridesmaids; if so, she's living it. Her long-time best friend, Janie Driscoll, is marrying Peter, Van's secret true love. Peter is the guy who is perfect for Van in every way, although he certainly appears to be oblivious of anything beyond a close friendship with her. Meanwhile, Van must watch the two rapturously tie the knot from her uncomfortably close vantage point as maid of honor.