1855. Independence, Missouri.
Hello! My name is Tess Findlay. I'm 20 years old. My parents died in a fire when I was little and I've been raised by a spinster aunt who never wanted children. But my luck has finally changed! I'm madly in love with the man of my dreams and know in my heart we'll be married soon and have a wonderful life together! I can't wait to leave this town and my past behind. My beau's name is Dirk Draven and he's 22. He's always been a big flirt, but when he started paying me special attention, I couldn't help but fall head over heels for him. He says such lovely and romantic things, always complimenting me and telling me how I'm his favorite girl.
Three months ago, Dirk left for Oregon to mine for gold. He told me he'd send for me once he got settled in the town of Sunset Hills. I haven't heard from him, but I'm sure he must be busy and tired from toiling in the mines all day.
Guess what? I just found out I'm pregnant! I can't tell anyone yet since I'm still unwed. But that doesn't matter, right? Dirk and I will be married soon enough once he finds out I'm carrying his child. I can't wait to tell him! I've decided to join a wagon train to Oregon to surprise him with the news.
What could possibly go wrong??