“He was still a douchecanoe. The douchecanoe who was going to paddle me to safety.”

“Well, the flannel-coated pussy stealer won’t be taking care of her for much longer,” I said, unbuckling my seatbelt. She looked at me blankly. Perhaps she didn’t appreciate her sister being referred to as “pussy”. I cleared my throat. “I meant flannel-coated…ginger douche.”She dipped her chin and said dryly, “Dude, the term is douchecanoe.”

“Kiddo, I’d let you brand me with a hot iron if you wanted to.”“Still a sucker for punishment?”He grinned. “Something like that.”

“Mommy, he told me he’s going to take me away for some candy and I can pet his fat dog.”

“You're not going to make me promise you something, because that's what they say in the movies, the person who never comes back.”

“If he truly wanted me to let everything go, I’d flip over and ride him right there on the range. Screw golf, I’d screw him instead.”

“Who was that?" he whispered."Who?" I asked, playing dumb."That Ellie Watt. I know the real Ellie Watt and she’s not that much of a people person.""Which Ellie do you prefer?" I asked teasingly.He stopped walking and pulled me closer to him,staring down into my eyes."Whichever one I’ve got.”