What truly captivated Rachael were her eyes – wide, deer-like, yet hauntingly sinister green with flecks of gold dancing in silent mirth.

It’s okay, Fia,” said Nathan from the end of the hallway. He carried a large bundle of white comforter in his skinny arms and dumped it on the couch. “Aaron sucks at compliments.”“I am quite adept with compliments,” he said dryly. “But I do not praise bad behavior.

Maya lifted a bony shoulder. “Besides, even if he had messed with the babies, you kind of overshadowed it by killing a pelican.”“Goose. And I didn’t kill it.

What truly captivated Rachael were her eyes—wide, deer-like, yet hauntingly sinister green with flecks of gold dancing in silent mirth.

Forgiving someone only absolves you from holding them accountable. When that person has not truly met that accountability, it is a weakness on your end, Miss Rachael. To forgive when they are unrepentant only relieves you of that responsibility.

So, Azalee—” When he turned to her, she stared daggers back—almost as though she had read his mind. Can Chertzes do that? he wondered in a wild moment of panic.“What?” bit Azalee when he didn’t continue.Mighty Zeus, could he go five minutes without offending a woman?

Looks like Quackula got the best of you,” said Jeff.Braeden snorted. “Something like that.”“What’d you do to it?” asked Maya.“Nothing. I thought it was a big duck at first.” Braeden shook his head. “Never saw a goose up close before. Didn’t really think about it until it started hissing.”Jeff rubbed the spot between his eyebrows. 'How can you grow up near a lake and not tell the difference between a duck and a goose?

Braeden,I’m in love with you.I’m sorry.- Jeff

She swung around, her hair flying about her like wildfire. Fire. The fireplace.She reached in with all the power Todd had taught her ti exercise and grasped as much as she could. She imagined gasoline spilling onto the logs, leaving trails of burning kerosene around the room. In her mind bright orange and red exploded in dazzling sparks. The oxygen seemed to thicken and swell around her.Then the entire room was alight with flame.

How old did they tell you I am?” she demanded, hurrying to match his pace.Joel shook his head. “If my mother ever taught me anything, it was to never question a lady’s age.