Emily hasn't been doing very well in life so far. She didn't graduate from college. She helped her partner get a law degree, and he left her right after graduation.

She had no obligations, so when her sister was in a serious car accident, Emily could move in with her and help her recover and her daughter.

The niece wanted to participate in the local renaissance festivities, but the condition was an adult volunteer - so Emily took on this task. The festivities are organized by a local teacher who she finds unpleasant and unsympathetic. He makes it clear that he is not impressed by her frivolous approach to life.

The teacher took over the festivities from his late brother and considers it his duty to continue them. In the course of them, however, he also becomes a performer, in the role of a pirate, he demonstrates a fight on the chessboard. He likes Emily as a pub girl, so he starts flirting with her, but she feels that he is only interested in her role, not as a real woman.

That summer was supposed to be just a stopover for Emily, she needed to decide what to do with her life. Will Willow Creek end up being her new home? Will he find self-confidence, a partner and a feeling of belonging?