“You're not gonna start writing 'Hardy loves Miracle' all over your notebooks, are you? Sing her a song and post it on YouTube?”

“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.”

“You wouldn't miss me," she sniffed. "Nah, you're probably right. I only miss you a little now. When i'm awake. When i'm asleep. When i'm breathing." When Miracle finally met his gaze, Hardy let his heart pour into his eyes. "My life is nothing without you, Miracle. Nothing. I love you. Do you hear me? I love you!”

“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.”

“His face hovered above hers for several long tense seconds before he lowered his mouth to hers. Barely making contact, Hardy brushed his lips back and forth over Miracle's with the gentlest of pressure. He wanted more - wanted to kiss her and touch her so much more - but he wanted to leave her with something as delicate and perfect and special as the moment they were sharing there in the orange glow of the sunshine.”

“His long hovered above hers for several long tense seconds before he lowered his mouth to hers. Barely making contact, Hardy brushed his lips back and forth over Miracle's with the gentlest of pressure. He wanted more - wanted to kiss her and touch her so much more - but he wanted to leave her with something as delicate and perfect and special as the moment they were sharing there in the orange glow of the sunshine.”