“Julie smiled a tight little smile and shook her head at her own foolhardiness.But I did it because I love him, she told herself. I love him still. God help me. So this is how it feels to have your break...”

“She loves him with a love that sees no flaws, find no fault, knows no bounds...Oh God, please don't let her hurt too badly and, please, never, never let me love like that.”

“Son, you just asked me: how can someone show love over and over again when they're constantly rejected? Caleb, the answer is: you can't love her, because you can't give her what you don't have. I couldn't truly love your mother until I understood what love truly was. It's not because I get some reward out of it. I've now made a decision to love your mother whether she deserves it or not. Son, God loves you, even though you don't deserve it. Even though you've rejected Him. Spat in His face. God sent Jesus to die on the cross for your sin, because He loves you. The cross was offensive to me, until I came to it. But when I did, Jesus Christ changed my life. That's when I truly began to love your mom. Son, I can't settle this for you. This is between you and the Lord. But I love you too much not to tell you the truth. Can't you see that you need Him? Can't you see that you need His forgiveness?”

“A rueful smile touched Lauren's lips as she turned her head toward the window. Everyone always said she was so intelligent, so sensible, yet here she was, already planning to make Nick Sinclair fall in love with her...because she knew she was already falling in love with him."Lauren,this trip is getting a little lonely on my side of the car. What are you thinking about?"Filled with thoughts of their destiny, Lauren turned to him and, smiling, slowly shook her head. "If I told you, it would scare you to death.”

“A terrible feeling of loneliness besieged her, so strong it was almost like physical pain...”

“Cassandra watched him go, slumping a little as the distance between them grew. "He was so nice.""Yeah.""And look at that butt."I considered said item. "Definitely superior. But not for Cassandra hands?"She shook her head sadly. "Another person stands between us now. He'll meet her within the month.""Is she prettier than you?"Cassandra started to smile."Well?""No""Ha!""Jaz!""Honey, we've got to take our victories where we can find them.”

“Let me walk you to your room," Logan offered in a helpful voice. "You, me, and the Gypsy girl could have our own bonfire tonight." Daphne and I stared at each other. I rolled my eyes while Daphne sniffed."Oh, please," she scoffed. "Like I need a guy to protect me. I'm a Valkyrie, remember? I could pick you up and break your back over my knee, Spartan. Like you were a piñata.""Kinky," Logan said, smiling at her. "I like it."She snorted. "Save the smarmy charm for Gwen. We all know that she's the one you're really trying to impress anyway." We did? Because I hadn't gotten that message at all.”