“I caught a pebble in the moonlight.”

“The moonlight caught the glint of his lip ring, which he was now fondling with the tip of his tongue as he stared down at me. It was a bit awkward.”

“Oh it's a pebble... But it's a really nice pebble Dad thanks.”

“But I don’t want to be grateful. I’m tired of being kicked about like a pebble, and told that I have to be happy that it’s no worse. I’ve had enough. It’s time the pebble kicked back.”

“Then I made a stupid mistake and looked up at him. His eyes met mine, and for a moment, his face was open and vulnerable in the moonlight. I caught a hint of wonder there as we stared at each other. Slowly, he leaned forward. I caught my breath, a tiny gasp escaping. He stiffened, and his expression shuttered closed, eyes going hard and frosty.[...]'This is getting old,' he said in a voice that matched his eyes.”

“Saul tapped his wife's obstinate chin. "Mrs. Benedict, you certainly are. You promised to obey.""That was thirty years ago! Before the wedding ceremony caught up with the modern age.""Well, I for one am holding you to that. Gondola for two, in the moonlight, with champagne and roses.”