“Athlete or not, I’m going to make sure you know how to read.”

“I don’t know how I got lucky enough to get your attention, but I’m sure as hell not letting you go.”

“If I do this, something will go wrong and this man will hurt me. I know it as sure as I’m sitting here next to him feeling how much he makes me want to say yes.”

“I promise you, I’m done running. I’m still selfish, but only where you and Noah are concerned. I have years of spoiling to make up for and I plan to spend every day of my life making sure you both know how much I love you.”

“I always read. You know how sharks have to keep swimming or they die? I’m like that. If I stop reading, I die.”

“Aren’t you going to ask me if I’m all right?” I say.“No, I’m pretty sure you’re not all right.”He shakes his head. “I’m going to ask you not to make any decisions until we’ve talkedabout it.”