“Lucy waited patiently, knowing that he did want to talk, or he wouldn't have put on such a performance when he came in. Heath's door slamming was always an announcement that a conversation was in order.”

“It's just...Hardy was always the one I was supposed to end up with. He was everything I dreamed of and wanted. But damn it, why did he have to show up when I thought I'd finally gotten over him?”

“He never knew what hit him, and that would have comforted me, except . . . just for one second, he would have had to know, wouldn't he? There must have been a blur, a sense of the world exploding, a flashpoint of receiving more damage than a human body could endure. ”

“A toast to the engagement on your former fiance and your former best friend. Tell me, how hard did you have to grit your teeth?" As Lucy refused to answer, he laughed softly. "Forgive me. I don't mean to detract from your noble gesture.”

“I've never known anyone more ill equipped for happiness. He wouldn't know what to do with it.”

“He was unbelievably hard. Everywhere. He was in control, infinitely stronger, and he wanted me to know it. -Ella”

“As he looked up and saw is audience poised on the staircase, he gave a curt nod that barely passed for a greeting."Well," Lucy said, "it looks as if you Christmas spirit has undergone a beating.”