“A lot of things some might think are a little crazy are just human.”

“Some things in life are just out of our control. It's what we do about them that counts.”

“I'll just go rub some salt in her wounds,then i think I'll run out and kick some puppies on my way to foreclosing on my quota of widows and orphans.”

“And the marriage thing? You'll give it a shot?"She grinned into the sunlight. It might not have been the world's most romantic proposal, but it suited her. It suited her just fine.”

“The polite thing would be to go back inside, give you privacy when you read it. But, I’m just not that mature.' 'It’s nothing. Fine.' Feeling foolish, Laurel opened the envelope. You might think this is over, but you’d be wrong. I’ve taken your shoes hostage. Contact me within forty-eight hours, or the Pradas get it.”

“I feel something for you, some dangerous thing, some volatile thing.”

“But it isn't easy to find the right person. It would have to be someone good with kids and horses, and ho'd be able to pitch in with the administrating to some extent and wouldn't quibble about shoving manure.Plus I'd have to be able to depend on them, and get along with them. And they'd have to be diplomatic with parents, which is often the trickiest part."Travis picked up his soft drink again. "I might be able to point you in the right direction there.""Oh? Listen, Dad, I appreciate it, but you know, a friend of a friend or the son or daughter of an aquaintance. That kind of thing gets very sticky if it doesn't work out.""Actually, I was thinking of someone a little closer to home.Your mother.""Ma?" With a half laugh, Keeley sat again. "Ma doesn't want this headache, even if she had time for it.""Shows what you know." Smug now, he drank. "Just mention it to her, casually. I won't say a word about it.”