I think I might drum up the hardest end-of-term exams in the history of the world. I want to be remembered for something. George, you'll be remembered. Who could forget you? Hopefully not you! He...

I'm a little embarrassed it took some city-boy preacher to get a project like this going in our own town, Jack said. We should've been on this. We start for Christmas right away. And then we get going...

The quick acceptance of George came not so much because of George's natural wit and charm, but because Maureen was so different when he was around. He gentled her; her smile was almost girlish, and...

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...

My new daughter-in-law is certainly pregnant and I'm not sure she even realizes it herself yet! She is moody, nauseous, cries at the drop of a hat, and they want a baby. Vivian, I have to get out of...

We're home, shortcake. Let's find your jammies. She squirmed and murmured, not letting go of his neck. He laughed at her and said, I can't help you change clothes if you don't let go. With her face...

Sean briefly wondered if in an earlier life he had pissed off a bunch of tough old goddesses; he was surrounded by strong, opinionated women.

They'd only gone a few steps when she whacked him in the back of the head. Ma! he yelled, a hand going to his head as he whirled on her. Holy Mother Mary, you ought to be ashamed of yourself! Were you...

Good Lord, Maureen interrupted him. What did your father and I do to turn you boys off marriage? she asked, half pleading, half annoyed. I thought we had a good marriage, your da and me. He was so...

I think you've just about exceeded your limit for small talk, Sean. And you're fidgeting. Either you have to go to the bathroom or you have something to tell me. She squinted at him. Are you wearing...

If you want to say good-night to Rosie before you go, now's the time. Her light is going off in… She looked at her watch. Fifteen minutes. Fine, he said, standing. Did I do all right today? I mean,...

He heard a low, faint growl and looked toward the end of the couch to see that little blond-and-white dog baring his teeth. The little bastard was wearing a tutu. You bite me again, we're going to...

He could tell by the expression on her face, there was going to be some drama about last night. He mentally prepared himself; she was going to warn him it didn't mean they were getting back together....

She hadn't had quite this much attention from T.J. since they'd started dating. He must feel completely threatened. She wasn't sure if that amused her or worried her. But she turned off her phone just...

She was wearing an old sweatshirt and pair of jeans, big fluffy slippers and had some kind of feathery dusting thing on a long handle in her hand. And she looked delicious. He wanted to tackle her on...

Do you think it's a bad omen to meet in a cemetery? she asked him. I have a special fondness for this place, he said. This is exactly where you completely lost control, threw yourself at me and...

When do you suppose you're due? How did you guess? I've never seen Luke act like this-hovering, protective, sweet. Annoying, cloying and paternal. I don't have a date-I haven't been to the doctor yet....

Cocktail weenies? he asked, holding up a little can. Who gives cocktail weenies to a needy family? I mighta done that, said Hope McCrea, pushing her big black glasses up on her nose. The can is...

I hope I live to see you at sixty-two. I'd like to hear firsthand just how you handle people pushing you around as though you're some doddering old- I didn't do that! I'm just being cautious. It's not...

Our relationship was stable. This thing you're trading it for, it'll be a disaster because he isn't moving to Humboldt County. Even if he could, you and I both know he isn't the kind of man who will...

You're going to give up everything you've established here-the stability of your job, your friends, the option of a normal relationship with a man you can count on who will make sure your happiness...

Are you good to go? Because I should get that nap or I'll be useless tonight. Go, he said. We're going to do stuff. Now remember, always- Wear seat belts, make frequent bathroom stops, never let her...

Sean searched his memory for how he'd convinced her to take a chance on him in the first place and his mind was a blur. He'd probably been relentless in his pursuit because he did remember how he had...

I saw your daddy tonight," Franci whispered. "There's a reason you're so beautiful.

Now that he'd seen her, he knew what he'd long suspected. He was far from over her. *

He made up his mind and it took him less than fifteen seconds to decide-he really needed to see if he could get things straightened out with Franci. They should be together. He just hoped she would...

Why don't you go over there? Say hello? the bartender asked. He looked up at his new friend. Yeah…well… The last time we talked, I wasn't her favorite person. The bartender laughed. Hard to...

If she looked his way, even once, he'd have to think of something clever to say. He'd have to smile, walk confidently across the room to their table, say hello and get friendly. He'd have to make them...

As Sean watched the proceedings he missed her so bad he ached with it. Letting her get away was one of the great tactical errors of his adult life. He should have found a way to convince her they'd be...

So, what brings you to town? Sean took a sip of his beer. Burning off some leave. Visiting my brother. I have a little over six weeks of leave left. I used to hit the bars with my brother, but his...