Elle Vanzandt

Penelope 'Nellie' Brennan has finally had it! Tired of her health problems holding her back, Nellie is determined to do just whatever she wants to do and no one is going to stop her. First item on the list for the determined 17-year-old: secure a date to her first school formal dance. Second: find the perfect dress.

Brian Moss has agreed to a favor for his Mama: take her friend's daughter to the girl's first formal dance. All it took was a glance at Nellie for Brian's interest to be piqued. He needed to know more.

What started out as a half-blind date, soon became so much more when Brian learns of Nellie's big secret. Even after discovering the truth, Brian doesn't run from her. Nellie is as surprised as those near and dear to her. But can Nellie trust him to stay? Will Brian be able to handle things when they get even harder? Can their quickly-deepening relationship survive the truth?