God, that’s a relief. I hope I never have to walk in that front door again. It’s too bad, to have all that and lose it. That’s like the American dream. What every man thinks is the perfect life. A fam...
God, I wish I could do this for you. That makes two of us. She closed her eyes for a moment. Two minutes later she was seized by another one. She panted through it. Jack went to the bathroom and wet a...
God, I know you’re sick of hearing me beg, but this is my woman, my wife. My best friend! No, she’s so much more than that—she’s the other half of my heart. I’ve waited my whole life for her—I’d give...
George, please sit down, Luke said. Visit a while. Thanks, don’t mind if I do. George pulled a chair over from an empty table and sat right beside Maureen so that she was sandwiched between himself an...
Gee, Jack, she said, amused. You sure came around quickly. I know, he said. I’m a genius that way. Mel must have really lit into you, she said. That always increases my intelligence about tenfold. I
For Vanni and Paul, Joe designed a larger version of Paul’s house, but with changes that although slight, gave it a different appearance altogether, so it didn’t look like a copy and was better suited...
Do you know what your husband is doing? she asked. Yes, June said, sounding annoyed. Not babysitting. Are you worried? Only that one of them will shoot off a toe. Why? Are you? Well… Yes! You should h...
Congratulations, man, his brother Aiden said. How about that, huh? Uh, how about what, Aiden? he asked cautiously. A little girl, I hear. Three and a half? Almost four? Who told you?! How do you know...
At night, after Jack had gone home and the last customer of the night had left, Preacher went up to Paige’s bedroom above the bar and went inside. That she had left so many of her things behind, inclu...
After all, Jack had gone into war five times and the only really bad injury he’d sustained was a pretty miserable shot in the ass. Not everyone who went to war came out crippled.
Here is something you should probably know about women without being told. We don’t want to have to tell a man we need to be wanted. We’d really like that to come naturally. We’d like a man to pursue...
You don’t understand, he said. But your real problem is, I do, Shelby said. You didn’t realize how much she meant to you until she was gone. Luke drained his coffee cup. He put it on the table. When y...
You don't need a lot of money to live a full life--all you need is a fertile mind, some books and a good attitude. Books are free at the library, but a fertile mind takes practice.
Wow, she said. That’s sure generous, that you’d do all that for me… For us, Marcie. I’ll get a bath after you. And tomorrow I’ll stop at the coin laundry and wash up the dirty clothes. I’ll take any o...
Women alone have to be smart, strong and durable. We don’t bruise easy. And we can’t waste time and energy feeling sorry for ourselves. We might want to collapse, but we don’t. Probably no one would p...
Will you wear this? The diamond wasn’t large as diamonds go, but from Ellie’s perspective it was enormous. She never in her wildest dreams expected jewelry. Is it real? she asked in a breath. When he...
What’s on your mind, son? Paul scooted forward a bit. Well, it’s no secret I’m in love with your daughter. I want to marry Vanni. Do I have your blessing? Your permission? Walt shook his head and chuc...
Vanni had the kids on the bed with her. She was lying on her back with Matt curled up against her on one side and Hannah on the other, both of them sleeping with their mouths open. Vanni was sound asl...
Vanessa, he whispered. She moved in her bed. She sniffed. Cameron? she asked. What is it? he whispered. Nothing, it’s nothing, she whispered back. He went to her bed and sat on the edge. He looked dow...
This young Shelby was so transparent, she left little doubt as to what she wanted. Needed. She’d like to wrap her emotions around a man and tether him right up against her heart, breaking him in half....