Novella (23,000 words) originally published in mass market paperback in 2004 and now included in the "A Summer To Remember " collection.
The romance is set in post Civil War Missouri.
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Norman Sterling, the wealthy mayor of Peace, Missouri, shocks himself at his town's Fourth of July picnic by proposing to the beautiful Mildred Gresham, a beauty he's worshipped from afar for more than six years. Equally as shocking is Mildred's quick acceptance. If only he were possessed of a silver tongue, if only he could tell her how truly he loves her.
Millie comes alive in Norman's arms, but her reticent husband never tells her he loves her. As he grows more distant she is tormented that he loves another. Will she ever be able to secure her husband's love?
