Sweet Proposal — Merri Hiatt

When Kristina Sugar begins feeling short of breath, she assumes a quick trip to the local walk-in clinic will determine what's wrong and she'll be back at her station as a Salvation Army bell ringer in no time. Her x-rays tell a different tale.

Patrick Argyle came back to the Seattle grocery store to spend a year in the produce department fine-tuning his business plan before opening his own business, Patrick's Produce. When he hears about Sugar's diagnosis, and her lack of health insurance, he comes up with an offer she simply can't refuse.

Fate is a funny thing. When you give it a chance, it can put stars in your eyes, love in your heart and a sweet proposal on your lips.

This novella is approximately 35,000 words.