Publisher's Synopsis
Former university literature professor, Michael Brooks, tragically loses his fiancEe in a devastating car accident that leaves him paralyzed and desolate. Maggie, his widowed mother and devoted care-giver, is overwhelmed when, diagnosed with a terminal illness, she fears for the future wellbeing of her beloved son. In desperation, she turns to her close friend, Julie Carson, to help find an answer to the agonizing problem. Julie, a bank officer, is extremely fond of the friendly, gentle woman who frequently comes to her for financial advice. They usually end their meetings by enjoying a pleasant lunch together, happily sharing their thoughts, feelings and the many past experiences that have deeply affected their lives. Orphaned when she is only six years old, Julie is raised by devoted grandparents whom she loses shortly after she graduates from college. Following the deep sadness she feels over the loss of those she adores, she becomes involved in an intense but painful love affair. When it ends, she vows she'll never again risk giving her heart to anyone. Accepting Maggie's invitation to join her for dinner, Julie is delighted at the prospect of spending the evening at her friend's home. Meanwhile, Maggie waits nervously, terrified that the daunting proposal she plans to offer Julie will offend her. To introduce her to Michael, Maggie leads Julie to his dimly lit room where he lies motionless in his bed. Julie is stirred by her own reaction to seeing this pale, handsome man lying there so still. The sight of him fills her with the shocking sensation that she is looking at a statue reclining on a marble slab in a museum or art gallery, as did the knights of days gone by. When they have left his room Maggie drops the bomb--she asks Julie to marry Michael and care for him as his wife! After much soul-searching, Julie accepts this extraordinary proposition. Is it possible that Julie and Michael will find the strength to overcome the past as they search for love and normalcy?