“Because you have my heart, Virgilia Wessex. Softly, almost achingly. Every black ounce of it. Scars and all.”

“He watched her for her reaction, or possibly watched her just to watch, his eyes hooded by his lashes and his mouth impassive. A faceless mansuch as the one she had dreamed of since she was a child...”

“I know I am flaky, I accept thatand I know, as well, that I can mangle the good kings English like no one else in my or the next ten governesses acquaintances, but that will not prevent me from spe...”

“She wondered how a man could look into a womans eyes and lie so completely, so convincingly. She wondered how he could have looked and not seen the love that had glowed there, the blind faith, the ...”

“No fairy tale, this. This was by no stretch of the imagination a polished fantasy. This was a searing, living force, rough around the edges, unfamiliar and bittersweet.And precious.”

“I will not marry Ashton. However bound by honor to do so, I will not marry Ashton. I will not marry, ever! Why not?Because I love you, you idiot!”

“The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.”

“And while I may get hurt, disappointed, or frustrated [], my foundation doesnt have to change.”

“Its important to take Gods love personally, though it may not be an easy thing to do. Sure, God loves the world, but he also loves each one of us individually.”

“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...”