“ethereal, adj.You leaned your head into mine, and I leaned my head into yours. Dancing cheek to cheek. Revolving slowly, eyes closed, heartbeat measure, nature’s hum. It lasted the length of an old song, and then we stopped, kissed, and my heart stayed there, just like that.”

“I shake my head. "Remember, Mother. There are no mistakes." She smiles through her tears, leaning in to kiss my cheek "No mistakes, my angel.”

“I close my eyes and lean my head against the seat, and the word fuck just repeats itself over and over in my head, because fuck.”

“It's my heart. It is the same as yours. I shook my head. No it isn't. Your heart has beaten for fifteen hundred years--and will continue to beat for at least another fifteen hundred--while mine will be lucky to beat for as long as Ellie's has. He kissed my hair and then pressed his cheek against my head. I will see to it that it beats for as long as possible.”

“And just as I start to move past him, my hip accidentally rubs against his, and his face is so close, and his eyes so deep, that I can't help but lift my fingers to his smooth, sculptured cheek. Then without even thinking, I close my eyes, lean in, and kiss him.”

“Channie laid her head over his heart and closed her eyes. Josh kissed her cheek … and screamed. ~***~ “Josh! What happened?” “My mouth.” He touched his lips and grimaced. “What’s wrong with your mouth?” “It feels like I kissed the inside of an oven. Did I burn you?” “No, not at all.”