The Grand Piano Chase by Kit Stokes

Gary Bullock faces two crises--finish a grad school theses in weeks or be expelled, and get a life or get out of mine, as his pregnant girl friend announces. He flees to Mudstone in response to the first crisis and once there is accused of stealing an $85,000 piano. In a summer full of unintended consequences Gary and Dan inspire the grand piano chase, as all seek to gain a finders fee from the IRS. Expelled from college, Gary begins a new life as a small town journalist, and Dan falls in love with Nadine, a piano prodigy, at first sight. About to be arrested on his wedding day for concealing assets from the IRS, Dan is rescued by the arrival of Sherrie. In a series of persuasive arguments, direct actions and shrewd horse-trading, she satisfies the IRS, saves Garys inheritance by marrying him. Having learned that books are not life, Gary settles in to a genuinely satisfying life in Mudstone, the soon-to-be father of twins.