Pulse of the Heartland — Melinda Cross

Emily was ready for a change

When her friends had left for college and city life, she'd stayed behind to nurse her mother. Now, at twenty-seven, she was seriously considering selling her florist's shop and leaving the small Minnesota farming community.

And that's when Nick Simon came home. Nick came for his grandfather's funeral--but quickly decided to stick around and break down Emily's stoical reserve.

Nick drove her crazy, but there seemed to be no way to get rid of him. Nor could Emily convince the town they weren't really having a torrid affair!

Hero: Nick Simon
Heroine: Emily Swenson