“Change was as much about loss as gain, about giving something up even as you reached for something new or different. The world was opening up, not closing in.”

“Why couldn't she have this, just enjoy this, without creating obstacles, digging up problems, worrying about mistakes, about tomorrow's? Why let the maybe's, the what if's, the probabilities spoil something so lovely?”

“I haven't been with a man before.""I know it." Adelia's smile was soft, almost wistful. "Do you think I wouldn't know if that had changed for you? You think too much of yourself to give what you are to something unless it matters.No one's mattered before.”

“When you reach for the stars, you lose blood and tears. That's something you should remember.”

“I’ve never been the one. Not for anybody.”He closed the distance between them. “You’ll get used to it.” He tipped her face up to his, kissed her.“Why? Why am I the one?”“Because my life opened up, and it flooded with color when you walked back into it.”

“I don't think you tell someone you love them because you expect something. I think you tell them because you have something to give.”

“It takes a lot of spine and stomach to make yourself into something when no one gives you a foundation.”