Identity

by Nora Roberts

To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition.

Graves and stones and words and music weren’t for the dead, but the living they left behind.

She needed to move forward—somehow, somewhere. The only choice was to move forward. Move.

Karma’s not just a bitch, she’s a righteous bitch. And he won’t break you, because you won’t let him.

“Opal complains water isn’t wet enough when she’s cranky.”

“If worry’s protection, she’s wearing impervious armor.”

What is he?” “A dog.”

“I wish you’d shut up now.” “I’d be really happy to shut up now. I should go.” She opened the door. Shut it again. Then moved straight to him, into him, fixed her mouth on his.

“And yes, we had sex. Lots of sex. And I’m going back for more tomorrow.” Silence rang for a beat, then a second while she lifted the dome off the cake plate. “Well.” Olivia sipped at her tea. “Those must’ve been some cookies.”

“Love’s a strange and inexplicable thing.”

“You’ve always been confident. Some of us pretend to be until we learn to be.”

“No, and you damn well know it, so get off the high horse.” “I couldn’t get in the saddle because you took up all the room.”

Beauty, strength, youth are flowers but fading seen; Duty, faith, love, are roots, and ever green.

Love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave. —SONG OF SOLOMON 8:6

“I don’t care about fair. I have no fucks to give about fair. I thought about what it would be like to lose someone I cared about, someone who mattered. I don’t like it, so it’s not happening. You matter.”

“What time is it?” “Get-your-ass-up o’clock.”

“Fall’s bounty, winter’s waiting, spring’s beginning. But summer? It’s fruition.”

“I’m not afraid of heights, but I have a healthy respect for gravity.”

He didn’t slide out of affection into love, didn’t slip from attraction into forever, but fell long and hard. No safety system could have stopped the fall. It left him breathless, stunned, and a little bit pissed off.

“When you love someone, and love him hard, and you’re ready for him, you go after him. If he doesn’t love you back, and love you hard, if he’s not ready for you, that’s his loss. Love’s brave, Morgan. Love stands up.”

“What? What?” “You heard me, but I’ll say it again for clarity. I’m in love with you.” “I have to sit down.” “You are sitting down.”

“Yeah, that’ll work. I’ll go in late tomorrow. We’ll hit the jeweler’s when they open.” He took her fist, kissed it. “It should fit, because you do.”

And she knew just what she wanted engraved. A Deal’s a Deal.