“If it weren’t for public transportation,” Sam said, “my brother wouldn’t be getting married today. He and Maggie fell in love along the ferry routefrom Bellingham to Anacortes … which brings to mind the old saying that life is a journey. Some people have a natural sense of direction. You couldput them in the middle of a foreign country and they could find their way around. My brother is not one of those people.” Sam paused as some of theguests started laughing, and his older brother gave him a mock-warning glance. “So when Mark by some miracle manages to end up where he wassupposed to be, it’s a nice surprise for everyone, including Mark.” More laughter from the crowd. “Somehow, even with all the roadblocks anddetours and one-way streets, Mark managed to find his way to Maggie.” Sam raised his glass. “To Mark and Maggie’s journey together. And toHolly, who is loved more than any girl in the whole wide world.”

“Easy, Marks,' he whispered. 'One of us has to have some self-control, and it really should be you.”

“Do you think it will make good wine?”“Probably not,” he said, and laughed.“Then why have you gone to so much trouble?”“Because you never know. The grapes might turn out to reveal some attributes of the wine that you never expected. Something that expresses this place more perfectly than anything you could have planned. You have to…”As Sam paused, searching for the right phrase, Lucy said softly, “You have to take a leap of faith.”Sam gave her an arrested glance. “Yes.”Lucy understood all too well. There were times in life when you had to take a risk that might end in failure. Because otherwise you would be haunted by what you hadn’t done…the paths you hadn’t taken, the things you hadn’t experienced.”

“Leo smiled and stroked her hair. 'We'll both be fine, Marks. We've just begun our journey...and there's so much we have yet to do.' He spoke more softly as he heard her breathing turn even and steady. 'Rest against my heart. Let me watch over your dreams. And know that tomorrow morning, and every morning after that, you'll awaken next to someone who loves you.''Dodger?' she mumbled against his chest, and he grinned.'No, your confounded ferret will have to stay in his basket. I was referring to myself.''Yes, I know.' Catherine slid her hand up to his cheek. 'Only you,' she said. 'Always you.”

“It's just . . . I'd like you to find some nice guy with no weird fuckin' baggage."I had to laugh. My irritation vanished, and I reached over to pat his hand. "If you ever meet one," I said, "let me know.”

“All husbands are unfaithful in one way or another.”Lillian and Daisy glanced at each other with raised brows.“Father isn’t,” Lillian replied smartly.Mercedes responded with a laugh that sounded like crackling leaves being crushed underfoot. “Isn’t he, dear? Perhaps he has stayed true to me physically—one can never be certain about these things. But his work has proved a more jealous and demanding mistress than a flesh-and-blood woman could ever be. All his dreams are invested in that collection of buildings and employees and legalities that absorb him to the exclusion of all else. If my competition had been a mortal woman, I could have borne it easily, knowing that passion fades and beauty lasts but an instant. But his company will never fade or sicken—it will outlast us all. If you have a year of your husband’s interest and affection, it will be more than I have ever had.”

“For God's sake, Marks, do you think anyone really wants a glance at those dried-up matchsticks you call legs?”