It’s 1902 and Emily Sundberg considers herself a proper school teacher of the Twentieth Century. But a decade ago, she behaved more like a tomboy than a young lady. So when the neighbor’s grandson came to visit one summer, they became fast friends and Emily even got her first kiss. 

Unfortunately, Jake Edgerton told all the boys at church. Rumors circulated, the taunts and teasing began, and Emily caved from embarrassment and guilt. She couldn’t confront Jake about it, either. He’d returned to Fallon, Montana and she never saw or heard from him again. 

Over the years she’d worked hard to prove to her classmates and the people of Manitowoc, Wisconsin that, despite past mistakes, she really was a decent, upstanding young woman, one befitting of a school teacher. But even with the passing of time, Emily’s never forgotten Jake and how he nearly ruined her life…

And now he’s a U. S. deputy marshal and he’s back in town!