“Boys,” said Amelia as she and Patrick stepped forward with the last gift, “Can you never give anyone anything useful?” At the same time Danny and Mason broke out into grins and said, “But those are useful.” Amelia shook her head, her blond curls cascading beautifully around her.”

“Amelia Bedelia," said Mrs. Rogers,"Christmas is just around the corner.""It is?" said Amelia Bedelia. "Which corner?"Mrs. Rogers lauhged and said,"I mean tomorrow is Christmas Day.""I know that," said Amelia Bedelia.”

“Having said that, I'll give the two of you my full blessing and support--provided you're not yanking her around," she advised, addressing Sean."I'm not, I swear.""Good. Because if I find out you are? I'll cut off your balls and use them as Christmas ornaments. We're clear?""Mama!"He nearly choked on a bit of pie. "Crystal."Amelia graced him with the full force of her angelic smile. "Fantastic. More pie?"-Eve's Mama”

“You’re evil, you know that?” I said. She grinned and shook her head. “Chaotic Neutral, sugar.”

“She can have them, Mama," she said, like somebody used to never winning anything, or having anything reserved for her.”

“Ever had a beer before?" Gabriel grinned. She shook her head."Then I'm glad I'm your first.""Have you ever held a boy's hand before?" She shook her head, and he laughed softly. "Then I'm glad I'm your first.""Have you ever been kissed by a boy?" She blushed deeply and shook her head."Then I'm glad I'm your first.""Have you ever fallen asleep in the arms of a boy before, Beatrice?"She shook her head."Then I'm glad I'm your first.""I haven't really danced like this before," she said wistfully."Then I'm glad I'm your first.""Has a man ever asked you to marry him before?"She shook her head, covering her mouth with her hand."Then I'm glad I'm your first.”