“It sounds like if it weren't for your boyfriend, you'd be eating meat.""Probably," I admitted. "But I agree with Dane's take on the issues, and most of the time it's not a problem for me. Unfortunately, I'm temptable.""I like that in a woman. It almost makes up for your conscience.”

“Hello?""How's it going?" Dane asked.I relaxed at the familiar voice. "I'm having a fling with a younger man," I told him. "He's kind of short for me, and there's a little incontinence problem . . . but we're working to get beyond all that.”

“Dane was shaking his head firmly. "Don't bring it here, Ella. No babies."I gave him a dark look. "What if it were a baby polar bear or a baby Galapagos penguin? I bet you'd want it then.""I'd make an exception for endangered species," he allowed."This baby is endangered. It's with my mother.”

“Dane picked up on the second ring. "How's Operation Baby Rescue going?""I've rescued the baby. Now I'd like someone to rescue me.""Miss Independent never needs to be rescued."I felt the hint of a genuine smile appear on my face, like a crack in the winter ice. "Oh, right. I forgot.”

“What happened to your stammer?" "I suppose I must feel comfortable with you. I tend to stammer less with certain people." "No one's ever told me that I'm a comfortable sort. I'm sure I don't like it. I'll have to do something diabolical soon to correct your impression.”

“I love you, Marks. My heart is completely and utterly yours. And unfortunately for you, the rest of me comes with it.”

“I'm not running away from my fears," I told Dane. "I'm running away from my relatives.”