“It's always safe until something bad happens.”

“Now that it's over, I wish I could have all the bad stuff back... just so I could have the good.”

“This ain’t fucking right. He shoulda never been there.”“It was an accident, Travis. You couldn’t have known something like this was going to happen,” I said, touching his cheek.”

“What can I say to you that I haven't already said? What can I give you that I haven't already given? Is there anything of me that isn't yours already? My body, my mind, my heart, even my soul. Everything that is me belonged to you long before this, and it shall be yours long after this. I will follow you anywhere and everywhere you lead. I will keep you and anyone created with our love safe from all harm. From this day on, I choose you, my beloved, to be my wife. To live with you and laugh with you; to stand by your side, and sleep in your arms; to bring out the best in you always, and, for you, to be the most that I can. I promise to laugh with you in good times, to struggle with you in bad; to wipe your tears with my hands; to comfort you with my words; to mirror you with my soul; and savor every moment, happy or sad, until the end of our lives and beyond.”

“Shepley jogged around the front of the Charger, and then slid into the driver’s seat. “I’m still taking the official position that this is a bad idea.”“Noted.”“Then where?”“Steiner’s.”“The jewelry store?”“Yep.”“Why, Travis?” Shepley said, his voice more stern than before.“You’ll see.”He shook his head. “Are you trying to run her off?”“It’s going to happen, Shep. I just want to have it. For when the time is right.”“No time any time soon is right. I am so in love with America that it drives me crazy sometimes, but we’re not old enough for that shit, yet, Travis. And … what if she says no?”My teeth clenched at the thought. “I won’t ask her until I know she’s ready.”Shepley’s mouth pulled to the side. “Just when I think you can’t get any more insane, you do something else to remind me that you are far beyond bat shit crazy.”“Wait until you see the rock I’m getting.”Shepley craned his neck slowly in my direction. “You’ve already been over there shopping, haven’t you?”I smiled.”

“It’s something I always said I would do when I met The One. I met you…I went and got the tats.”

“I decided a long time ago I would feed on the vultures until a dove came along. A pigeon. The kind of soul that didn't impede on anyone; just walked around worrying about its own business, trying to get through life without pulling everyone else down. With its own needs and selfish habits. Brave. A communicator. Intelligent. Beautiful. Soft-spoken. A creature that mates for life. Unattainable until she has a reason to trust you.”