“But even as the thoughts bounced around inside his head, Hardy knew that none of it mattered. He felt it deep down. Miracle was a game changer. She was his game changer.”

“Her heart was in her eyes. He knew his heart was in his. Hardy couldn't hold back what he was feeling any longer. He was terrified he wouldn't get another chance to tell he if he did. squatting down beside her, Hardy brought Miracle's fingers to his lips. "Miracle, i'm in love with you. I'd never hurt you. Ever.”

“In all his life - past, present and future - Hardy knew he would never find another person that set his body, his heart and his soul on fire the way that Miracle did.”

“All the tequila in the world couldn't get her out of his mind and he knew it. She was in his head and in his heart to stay.”

“Miracle was thinking she'd finally fallen in love, for the first time and maybe the last, with someone who may or may not be around for very long. Hardy was thinking he'd found someone that made his past and his future not matter quite so much, someone who gave him a present that eclipsed everything else. But there was a chance he might lose her. Later, when he kissed her goodnight, it was a kiss full of promise, a kiss that said he'd be around forever, however long forever ended up being.”

“Hardy recognized what it was that she made him feel. Hope. Miracle gave him hope.”

“Hardy had long since come to terms with having an abusive father, but never in all the years that he had been abused had he encountered such sympathy. Miracle's reaction so warmed him, he wound his arms around her waist and pulled her close, melting into her compassion like an ice cube on hot pavement.”