Her calling to change the world may be his downfall. At thirty-seven years of age, Margaret Foster has accepted spinsterhood and embraced her new role as teacher in 1865 San Diego. So, when Everett Thompson, the handsomest member of the School Board, reveals his interest in her, it's a dream come true. Until her passionate ideals drive a wedge between them. After two decades of hard work, Everett Thompson is on the verge of having everything he's dreamed of. Even the beautiful new teacher is considering his courtship. Then two investments go south and a blackmailer threatens everything Everett has and dreams of. As Everett scrambles to shore up the crumbling pieces of his life, Margaret unwittingly sets off a scandal that divides the small community and threatens her position as teacher. With the blackmailer still whispering threats, Everett must decide if he's willing to risk everything for the woman still keeping him at arm's length.