A light-hearted, feisty, clean and wholesome romance novella for hearts of all ages. Initially, a sweet, gentle girl, sometime during high school, Carol had changed. Herbert suspected that change began the day she met Evan. If only he, Herb, could win her friendship, then he might stand the slimmest chance of winning her heart. "Hmmm," Carol whispered under her breath. Why couldn't the fates have given Herb Evan's features and gentle ways? She would have married him by now. Contrary to what she made him think, she wasn't blind to his qualities, or to his affection for her. She'd never let him know how well he saw into her character, or how his piercing grey eyes sometimes discomposed her, especially in the moonlight, when they glinted metallic silver.... When Alouette, a disabled orphan, entered their lives and stole both their hearts, Carol needed a husband in order to adopt the child. Who better to ask than ever faithful, loyal Herbert. Well, not so easy, my dear. "I'll think about it," he told her. Not at all the reply she expected. Between his indifferent reply preceded by Evan's rejections, Carol's ego was in tatters. Served her right, Herb thought. But the thought gave him no pleasure. He loved her, faults and all. He couldn't recall a day when he didn't love her. He'd be a fool not to take advantage of this opportunity. It might be his last. As Alouette's father, Carol's affection for the child might over time extend to him. And, at last on intimate terms, tenderly, with patience, he might turn her friendship into love. Julie's story is also available, titled Beautiful Dreamer, by Paula Freda.