On her way to her new teaching position at the McPherson Ranch, Jessica Bradley receives a warning. Beware! Your soon-to-be employer murdered the previous schoolmistress. Undaunted, Jessica completes her journey and is greeted by two wayward children, Charlotte's father, Cameron McPherson, and Rebecca's mother, Melissa McPherson. Tension is obvious between the parents. Rumors to the contrary, Cameron is kind to his daughter and niece, supports her teaching duties, and helps her when she needs it. When Jessica's past threatens her livelihood, McPherson intervenes as her champion. Despite the risks involved, Jessica is certain the man she is attracted to could not have murdered anyone. Determined to get to the bottom of the vicious rumor threatening his ranch and his future, Jessica faces prejudice, hatred, and the threat of bodily harm as she searches for the truth.