“This isn’t a church social, Sweetheart. You aren’t going to be able to save me this time.”

“The opposite of love isn’t hate, it’s indifference. And you couldn’t be indifferent to him if your life depended on it.”

“So what if my life isn’t turning out exactly the way I’d planned? It’s not ruined, it’ll just be different.”

“...while I was vowing to save Nick, he had taken on the job of being my protector and staunchest defender”

“You haven't stopped smiling since you came in.""You want me to yell?""No, no," Buddy hastily assured him. "You just keep right on smiling." He picked delicately at the remaining pie. "You sure did sleep late today."Tate grinned at him. "Yep.""Didn't go fishing, either.""Nope.""Sure was a lot of tromping around going on upstairs a few minutes ago. What were you doing?""Just moving a few things." Tate took a drink of coffee."What things?"He was beginning to wish he'd strangled Buddy at birth. "My things.""Were you moving them somewhere in particular, or just dragging them up and down the hall for the exercise?"Tate ground his teeth together. "I was moving them to Abby's room.""Oh." Buddy gave a half grin. "Can I have some money?""No." Tate glared at him."Well, it was worth a shot. I should have asked while you were still smiling.”

“God, I can’t lose you again.” His whisper was harsh, filled with pain. “Not now, when I’ve waited so long to hold you. I think it would kill me. But I’m so damn scared you’ll hate me when you find out the truth.”

“Do you want to know the real reason I came back, Alix?” It was because of you. You’re my roots. Wherever you are would be home to me.”