“If that isn't a declaration of love, I don't know what is. And the words tumble out of me—a dam breached.”

“I don't know whether to worship at your feet or spank the living shit out of you.”

“Hey, I'm just teasing. Isn't that what husbands who are hopelessly in love with their wives do?”

“I never know what you're thinking. Sometimes you're so closed off... like an island slate. You intimidate me. That's why I keep quiet. I don't know which way your mood is going to go. It swings from north to south and back again in a nanosecond.”

“I can’t stay. I know what I want and you can’t give it to me, and I can’t give you what you need.”

“His words make sense. He's not the man for me. This is what he meant, and it makes his rejection to accept... almost. I can live with this. I understand.”

“Don't leave me," he whispers. "Oh for crying out loud-no! I am not going to go!" I shout, and it's cathartic. There, I've said it. I am not leaving.”