Vander and Michael loved one another once. Now, Vander is back from a long time at sea, getting his estate in order, and Michael is on the hunt for a rich husband so he can avoid debtor's prison. But when a severe social faux pas leads to a false engagement between the two, there is a great deal at stake. Desperate and sarcastic Michael and severe, far from wealthy Vander find their options closing in and their time running out. Certainly, falling in love again would be a mistake beyond the pale.

22,000 words