Mike was supposed to be Mellie Albrict’s forever boyfriend. Hell, she’d even imagined marrying him once. After her family abandoned her, he’d been the one to make her believe that love didn’t always end with betrayal. But they’d both been so very wrong. With the rest of their friends practically family, they formed an uneasy pact. One Mellie relies on when things get rough. And when her father resurfaces in Reverence, forcing emotions long since buried to the surface, Mellie runs to the one man who’s never left her even after the spectacular destruction of their love. Friendship isn’t enough for Mike Starr. In fact, he’d give his left nut to get Mellie to give him a second chance. Devastated at the idea his illness meant leaving her, he'd pushed her away to make it easier on her if he didn't survive. The fight for his life had been hard, but fighting to convince her they're worth another shot might be harder, especially since he still hasn’t explained the reason for his erratic behavior surrounding their break-up. Determined to be her rock when a trip to her hometown reveals more than either expected, he searches for a way to prove he won't mishandle her heart a second time.