Wonderful story and in typical Sherry Thomas fashion, bitter-sweet. Millie, the protagonist, had been in love with her husband Fitz since the first time they met. Fitz, on the other hand, was in love with Isabelle, his childhood sweet heart. Millie was the quiet and obedient type while Fitz felt like he had no choice but marry Millie to save the giant crumbling estate he inherited. Millie, realizing Fitz didn't feel for her what she felt for him, asked him for a reprieve from wifely duties as they were both so young. She was 16 and he 19. This reprieve (or pact ask they called it) was about to be finished after 8 years.

Eight years later, Fitz and Millie are close friends. Millie has grown into a confident (although still quiet and reserved) and incredibly tolerant woman. Fitz has also grown up. The two are partners at running the cannery/goods manufacturing company Millie's deceased father had started. Fitz had been getting over Isabelle, but this was derailed by her return to town, now a widow.

Isabelle wants Fitz back, regardless of his wife. Fitz thinks he wants to be with Isabelle. Millie, ever the tolerant wife, wants to see Fitz happy even though her hearts breaking. This love triangle is complicated by the fact that Isabelle is not a bad person, Fitz's growing feelings for Millie, and Millie's desire to keep Fitz, despite it all.

The prose is lovely, the emotions clear, and the characters act in mostly believable ways. There are no major (and random) misunderstandings, no obvious antagonists, and no overblown drama. Millie was perhaps too tolerant to be realistic and Fitz a tad bit too dense. Nonetheless, this is a really enjoyable read. Thomas fans and non-fans alike could definitely enjoy this one.
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