Nearly 18 months after the events of The Quarry, The Ideal follows headstrong Aly Martin as she struggles with the high standards of life in Los Angeles. Aly is determined to save her short, tumultuous marriage, even as her husband, Josh---fueled by money and power---begins a downward spiral and drifts further away. When Aly decides to make a fresh start, she returns to her small farm community in Wisconsin where she reconnects with quiet teacher Rock Saarinen, whose feelings for Aly are known to everyone but her. Aly soon realizes her own feelings for Rock, and after time and distance temporarily separate them, they are finally able to start their life together. Their happily ever after is not without obstacles, but both Rock and Aly discover that, even against incredible odds, love conquers all.