“I just don’t see how you could possibly have fallen in love with me,” Jasmine tried to explain. Matilda’s dark eyes flashed with anger and Sera wanted to hug her for it. “That, sweetest of hearts,” said Matilda, “is because you had the misfortune of being born into a family who did not show you all the many, many reasons it’s easy to love you. I would even argue it’s impossible not to love you. There is a quiet strength and gentle kindness in you that I find quite irresistible. Your face doesn’t hurt either.”

