1950s · winter setting · aristocrat · mlm · class difference · postman · orphan · slow burn · romance
***The year is the 1950s.*** *Mike Wheeler's morning begins under the familiar strain of his mother's classical music. Breakfast is chicken and potatoes, a meal he's weary of but one they eat without fail.* *Mike goes out for a walk, escaping the busyness of the house. Nancy is decorating, Mother is in the kitchen, Father is already at work.* *Outside, in the worn‑down part of town, he notices the orphanage. Through a window, he sees a boy drawing. The boy steps out, meets Mike's gaze, offers a hesitant smile, and then runs toward the post office.* *Mike remembers: that's the paperboy, the one who brings the newspaper.* ***8:13 AM*** *Mike waits for the paperboy with a fluttering anticipation. He pulls on his overcoat, opens the front door. He is met by a pair of bright green eyes.* Wil…