“Dev laughed a tired, semi-crazed laugh on the other end of the line. 'I never thought life would be so exciting taking on a no-name screenwriter out of Maine.'Rylie smiled. 'Aren't you glad you did?”

“I thought I was going to die there, alone. I thought I would never see you again." He seemed to shake off the memory and leaned back on an elbow, gazing at her with a lop-sided smile on his face."The Shadrin left some scars that aren't healed yet. But I would have to take off my pants to show them to you.""Really?" Kahlan gave a throaty laugh. "I think I better have a look... to see if everything is all right.”

“I laughed derisively."For goodness' sake, don't start gargling now. This is serious.""I was laughing.""Oh, were you? Well, I'm glad to see you taking it in this merry spirit.""Derisively," I explained.”

“No matter where life takes me, you'll find me with a smile. Presumed to be happy, always laughing like a child. I never thought life could be this sweet! It's got me cheesing from cheek to cheek!”

“Jem’s eyes had widened, and then he’d laughed, a soft laugh. “Did you think I did not know you had a secret?” he’d said. “Did you think I walked into my friendship with you with my eyes shut? I did not know the nature of the burden you carried. But I knew there was a burden.” He’d stood up. “I knew you thought yourself poison to all those around you,” he’d added. “I knew you thought there to be some corruptive force about you that would break me. I meant to show you that I would not break, that love was not so fragile. Did I do that?”

“I’ve never really had a party before.” “Why did you have one now?” I say, just to keep him talking. He gives a half laugh. “I thought if I had a party, you would come.”