“I want a beer. I want a giant, ice-cold bottle of beer and shower sex.”

“I want lots and lots of sex.""You really are the woman of my dreams.""First round, wet shower sex, after we scrape off a few layers of the Alaskan tundra, then a short and satisfying lunch break. Then a second round of make-the-mattress-sing sex.""I feel a tear of gratitude and awe forming in the corner of my eyes. Don't think less of me.”

“You're a cold bitch, Dallas.""Yes, I am.""Well, I suppose if I'd been murdered I'd want a cold bitch looking for my killer.”

“Why couldn't the merciful God turn down the sunlight so it wasn't blasting like a red furnace against his aching eyes? Because he'd worshipped the god of beer, thats why. He'd broken a commandment and worshipped the false and foamy god of beer. And now he was being punished.”

“I want you more than I should," she heard herself say. "I have you less than I want.”

“What do you want?’‘All of it.’ She laughed, but there was something brittle in the sound that broke his heart. ‘I’m selfish and greedy and want all. I want everything I can snatch up and hold, then I want to go back and get more. Why can’t I want the simple and the ordinary and the quiet, Aidan? Why can’t I be content with easy dreams?’‘You’re so hard on yourself, mavourneen. Harder than anyone else can be. Some people want the simple and the ordinary and the quiet. It doesn’t make those who want the complicated and extraordinary and the exciting greedy or selfish. Wanting’s wanting, whatever the dream.”

“Because you’re the one. Because I’ve never felt for anyone what I feel for you. I want a lifetime with you, Abigail. I want a home with you, family with you. I want to make children with you, raise them with you. If you truly don’t want any of that with me, I’ll give you the best I’ve got, and hope you change your mind. I just need you to tell me you don’t want it.”