“Like so many before them, they didn't care that my dad was only the messenger. They still wanted to shoot him.”

“You’re going to shoot the messenger?”“Yeah, Dad, if the messenger can’t learn to keep his interfering ass out of my business.”

“It wasn't the sort of kiss I'd had with him before, hungry, wanting, desperate. It wasn't the sort of kiss I'd had with anyone before. This kiss was so soft that it was like a memory of a kiss, so careful on my lips that it was like someone running his fingers along them.”

“My dad didn't find me - I found myself. So that's when I figured out that the only person who could take care of me was me.”

“My heart sinks. I guess I should be glad he doesn’t care, but I’m not. He’s supposed to care. Mom cares so much, it’s smothering; but that doesn’t mean he’s allowed to do this, to check out. And suddenly I need him to care. I need him to give me something so I know he’s still here, still Dad.”

“Catherine thought Simon was in the locket, and in heaven, and with them still. Lucas hoped she didn't expect him to be happy about having so many Simons to contend with.”