“Howie brought her hand to his lips. You stepped in front of me, he said in wonder. I didnt need you to. I can handle Prudence Morgan. But you didnt. She tapped his chest. You stayed quiet for the l...”

“Even through her coat, he could feel the curve of her arm, making him aware of their differences. Man and woman. Hard and soft.”

“Dont be sorry, Darlin, he said in his best cowboy drawl, for Im certainly not. Its not every day a man like me gets to assist such a pretty lady. Any time you need help in or out of a wagon, you ju...”

“I particularly want you to meet Miss Bucholtz. The very idea made him uneasy. Why is that,Maam? he bluntly asked. Mrs. Morgan hesitated. Keep this under your hat, mind you. Yes, Maam. She let out ...”

“She sighed. What I wouldnt give for a civilized bathroom. Howie remained silent out of habit and also because he didnt know what a civilized bathroom was.”

“With the way Bertha can cook and her good-natured personality, shell be married in no time. Well see to it! She cast a speculative glance around. Why I see ten available men within a hundred feet o...”

“Jessabelle, I'm sorry to just leave, but I need some time. Time to get my head back on straight. Time to remember who I really am. Time with my Creator, the one who knew before the foundations ...”

“I have a fabulous idea.""Oh, I don't like this. Last time you had a fabulous idea, I wore a cast for six weeks. I still can't straighten my arm completely.""That was years ago," I said, brushing as...”

“More. Give me more.I don't know if you're ready for this. He's shirtless.You're killing me. Is he built?Like a Greek god.Nooooo.....so unfair. I don't have any hot neighbors, just acres and acres o...”

“And if you ever - and I do mean ever - try to leave me, Im goin with you.”

“..he wanted her.And at another time, as another man, he would have her. Without hesitation. As lover. . . as more.”

“Annabelle gave him a chiding smile. If youre implying that Im spoiled, I assure you that I am not.You should be. His warm gaze slid over her pink-tinted face and slender upper body, then sought her...”