“I'm like those placid dogs a family buys when the dog they choose first is too high strung. I'm the pet's pet.”

“I'm starting to remember that it's okay when things don't turn out right the first time. I can always try again and get it right.”

“I didn't want to hurt you," she blurted. "I never wanted to be someone you would regret. I'm not afraid for me. I'm afraid for you.”

“Montana," he said, dragging her against him."Montana, I'm so sorry. I was wrong. What I said, how I treated you." He drew back so he could see her face. "I love you. I have from the first. You're the best part of me. You are the light to my dark and without you, I'm blind. I'll give you anything, if only you'll stay with me.”

“She hesitated before opening the envelope, telling herself there was nothing he could say that would change anything. But she opened it anyway and read the note. "I'm not very good at this. I'm sorry.”

“If I start , I'm not going to stop," he said flatly.”

“I'm not sure you need protecting.""Everyone needs protecting now and then.”