The Kiss — Donna Lee Peabody

Patrick and Melinda had grown up as neighbors. They had shared a perfect kiss when they were teenagers, but he was too shy to profess his love, as she was attracted to William, his best friend and the Duke of Fairhaven. How could he compete? He left the duchy - and Melinda, but when he returned, he discovered that he still loved her. Now he was determined to win her, despite interference by Geoffrey, a young Baron. In the end, though, Patrick's real problem was his father. Can Patrick overcome his father's bitterness and learn to stand up for what he loved?