A Great Catch Quotes

“This is the excuse you’ve been looking for, isn’t it?” He heard the hard edge in his voice. “You think you can push me away before I get the chance to hurt you. You’ll go bury your feelings in a pile of work just like you always do. You’re scared to love me, but you’re too late, Emily Graham. You already do.” “I never said that.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Let’s take a break.” “But I have to go home to get ready.” He sat down and tugged her down beside him. “So, you’re still going with me?” She smiled. “I have to go with you. You’re the only one who will appreciate my green dress.” He chuckled and pulled her close. “You’ll be gorgeous.” “Croak, croak,” she mumbled. “Emily, when are you going to start seeing yourself as beautifully as I do?”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“She whirled, intending to head back down the stairs. Carter caught her wrist. “You can ride down with me.” More heat flooded her face, and the afternoon sun seemed to pour down with greater intensity. She considered walking away, but the pain in her backside predicted a less than ladylike gait. He’d see her waddle, and her humiliation would double. But riding down the toboggan run with him? “Carter, I’m not sure.” His eyes darkened. “Is it because of earlier?” “Aw, ease up on her, Stockton.” Ducky stepped forward. “It’s not her fault if she doesn’t want to be around a cad like you. Walking into ladies’ bathhouses and all.” Comfortable teasing laced his voice. “She can take my toboggan, and I’ll ride down with you.” He flopped the toboggan down on the deck and held out his hand. “Will that work, Miss Graham?” “Yes, thank you very much.” She took his hand and gingerly seated herself. Picking up the reins on the toboggan, she turned to nod to Ducky to release her. Instead, she found Carter. Her eyes widened. “Hold on.” The smile had crept back into his voice. “You’re about to go on the ride of your life.” The sled lunged forward and her stomach lodged in her throat—not from the ride as much as the unspoken promise Carter’s words seemed to hold.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Emily picked up her fork and contemplated eating the waffles left-handed in front of Carter. Her skin prickled as she imagined a trail of strawberry syrup cascading down the ruffles of her pristine blouse. “Aren’t you going to eat, Emily?” Grandma Kate asked. “Your waffles will get soggy.” “I like it when the syrup soaks in.” “Nonsense.” Her grandmother waved her hand in the air, shoved her own empty plate away, and set a leather-bound ledger on the table. Emily bit her lip and used the side of her fork to try to cut off the corner. Ah. Success. She glanced up and caught Carter grinning at her. Heat flooded her cheeks, and she dropped her gaze back to her breakfast. Even without looking, she knew he was still watching. She’d show him she was a woman who could tackle anything—big or small. Her grandmother thumbed through the ledger. “And Carter studied finance, Emily. Since your brother is busy running your father’s business, I’ve asked Carter to help me manage my assets.” “But I thought—” Emily jerked. The bite of waffle on the tip of her fork, drenched in strawberry syrup, went flying across the table. 4 Instinct alone propelled Carter to catch the chunk of waffle midair. The contents squished in his palm, and he grabbed his napkin from the table. When he’d managed to scrub the worst of the berry stain off, he looked up and met Emily’s horrified gaze. Laughter rumbled in his chest, but with great effort he kept it in check.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“I love you, Carter Stockton. I love how you want to follow God, I love your trustworthiness, and I love the tumble of curls on your forehead.” “Is that a yes?” “That, my love, is a grand slam.” With a whoop, he lifted her from the ground and spun her in a circle until the dizziness in her head matched the dizziness in her heart.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Carter told you he loves you, didn’t he?” Wide-eyed, Emily turned from the mirror. “How did you know?” “You nearly floated into the house when you came home. And now your face switches from joy to terror in seconds.” Grandma Kate smiled, the wrinkles crinkling around her eyes. “And what did you say?” Heat infusing her cheeks, Emily licked her lips. “Ah, he didn’t let you answer. Smart boy.” “Grandma!” The older woman waddled to the door. “It’s good to make him wait a bit for your declaration. You should pray about it before you say anything. Affairs of the heart need to be placed in the hands of the Lover of our souls. Only God knows what is best.” She tilted her head to the side to take in both ear bobs. “He’s a good man, Emily. Don’t be afraid.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“As he intertwined his fingers with Emily’s, warmth pooled in his chest. He studied her as she closed her eyes to enjoy the music. She truly had no idea how beautiful she was. Even more so inside. And in those moments when he’d waited for her, he’d realized something. He had a future now. He didn’t need to keep his feelings silent any longer. The last strains still hung in the air when he pressed his lips to her ear. “Emily,” he whispered, “I do believe I love you.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“You are the most stubborn creature God ever placed on this earth, Emily Graham.” “Thank you.” “I didn’t mean it as a compliment, and I’m not saying I was wrong.” He shoved up his shirtsleeves. “No one—and I mean no one—is going to talk disrespectfully about you when I’m around.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Am I still your girl?” “You’ve never stopped.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“He hopped down from his perch and met her on the walk. “For you.” He held out the daisy. “Your favorite, right?” “You remembered.” “Of course I did. The other day you said you loved its simple beauty.” A rosy blush bloomed on her cheeks, and he grinned.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“I look ridiculous.” “You look like a beautiful baseball player.” He paused and grinned. “And that blush looks lovely with your outfit.” She rolled her eyes. “Have you forgotten I have a bat in my hands?” “Ah, but can you use it?”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Emily sighed and accepted the proffered U-shaped metal. Stepping up to the line Marion indicated, Emily swung her arm back with force. When she raised her left arm to swing the horseshoe, the weight of it surprised her, and she lost her balance. The horseshoe flew high into the air, flipped three times, and came down with amazing speed. Before anyone could react, it conked Marion Wormsley on top of his derby-covered bald head, and he slumped to the ground. Emily stared at the dazed man lying prone at her feet. Slowly he sat up, drew off his hat, and rubbed the egg-shaped swelling on the top of his head.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Carter snickered, and Emily shot him a glare. His midair catch obviously hadn’t won him any favor in her eyes. If he had to guess, she’d tried and convicted him of being a cocky baseball player, not worthy of thinking beyond the field. Fine. He’d change her mind. He enjoyed a challenge. And she should realize he wasn’t used to losing.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Hank held up his hands to lift Emily from the carriage. Emily hesitated. Would Carter offer? And if he did, would she want him to help her down? Hank’s bright blue eyes sparkled mischievously. “I’m on the other team, but I’m not the enemy.” “I know that.” Emily smiled and placed her hands on his shoulders. When his hands gripped her waist, her stomach cinched. How odd it felt to have another man touch her.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Thanks, Emily.” Sarcasm dripped from the third baseman’s comment. Emily reinserted the peg of her wet oar into the bracket. “I’m sorry.” “Stow it, Mac. We win as a team and we lose as a team.” Carter dipped his oars back in the water. “Loyalty. That’s what matters. Right, Emily?”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“What’s wrong?” “I should warn you I dance like I play horseshoes.” He raised an eyebrow. “I’ll take my chances.” “But I can’t dance with only you all night.” “Want to bet?”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Is this your dress for the ball tonight?” “Yes.” “Carter said you promised it’d be green. He’s been talking about it matching your pretty green eyes all week.” “He talks about me?” Ducky chuckled. “Nonstop.” “He’s probably like that with all the girls he’s—” “Nope. Only you.” Ducky eyed her. “Never seen him like this about anyone before, and we’ve been friends for quite a while now. I know you two have had your differences over Elwood and all, but you have something special. Hey, even an old hayseed like me can see it. He’s drawn to you like a fly to a piece of cherry pie.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Olivia gave Emily a syrupy smile. “I couldn’t help but notice you weren’t sitting by Carter Stockton. Has he grown tired of you so quickly? One too many accidents?” Carter jolted. Although he and Emily weren’t exactly speaking, he realized she would now have to answer for his stupid bet. He excused himself from his place in line and skipped speaking to Brother Fossen. Hurrying to Emily’s side, he slipped a possessive arm around her shoulders. “Good morning, Mrs. DeSoto. Did I see that successful husband of yours come in with you this morning?” “H-h-he wasn’t able to make it. He wasn’t feeling well.” “No, I imagine not. I saw him last night, and he seemed to have celebrated quite hard after our win.” Emily elbowed his side, and he bit back a grin.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Thank you for taking such good care of her. She hasn’t been doing a very good job of that herself.” “Grandma.” Glancing at Emily, Carter smiled. “That’s going to change. Right, Emily?” “Broken cisterns?” A sense of accomplishment shot through him and surfaced in a grin. He’d made his point, and Emily obviously saw she needed to take a good long look at her life.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“I have letters to write to Iowa’s senators and representatives, I need to plan tomorrow’s suffrage meeting, and I really need to see about some new advertising posters.” “And that can’t wait for one day?” He gave her an impish smile, his eyes dancing with pride. She shook her head and laughed. “You’re insufferable.” “You can’t blame a guy for wanting to go out and celebrate with his girl. Besides, Ducky volunteered to go tell your grandmother I’d have you home by nightfall.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“I need to get home. Now.” “Whoa.” He caught her waist and pulled her close. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I know what you’re doing is important. How can I help?” She placed her hands on his chest. “Take me home.” “Can I kiss you goodbye first?” She giggled. “Well, you’d better do it here or my aunts will probably skin you alive. On second thought, they might anyway when they see me. Perhaps we should say goodbye at the halfway point.” “No way. I’ll take my chances.” He raised his eyebrows. “And by the way, you look good in mud.” “But I’d look better in an emerald-green ball gown?” “Different. Not better.” Beneath her hands, she felt laughter rumble in his chest. “But speaking of ball gowns, you know they’re having a big grand opening here in two weeks. Would you like to go?” “With you?” she teased. “Or I guess you could go with Marion Wormsley.” “Oooo, do you have to remind me?” She looked up into his eyes. “Yes, Carter Stockton, I’d be honored to go with you.” “Good. Now, about that goodbye kiss.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Well, let’s not stand around lollygagging.” “You heard your aunt.” Carter offered Emily his arm. “Besides, I can’t wait to show you off to everyone.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“So she liked daisies. What other secrets did she have? A most unsettling truth took hold. He wanted to discover them all. And not only was it worth a few minutes of discomfort under the meddlesome aunts’ scrutiny to be with Emily Graham, but he also had a sneaking suspicion she was worth a whole lot more.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“I’ve been searching for you. What have you been doing, and why do you look like you just struck out?” “I guess you could say I did. I asked Emily Graham out for supper. She turned me down.” “Then ask her again. That’s what I always do. I guess this is a new problem for you, though, huh?” Carter shrugged. “I asked her to ice cream earlier today too. I can’t get her out of my head, but it’s probably better this way.” Ducky chuckled. “Maybe so. Maybe not. But I think you’ve got that count wrong. Sounds to me like you have two strikes. You’ve got one more time at bat.” “What’s the use? She’d rather shoot me than spend a moment alone with me.” He punched his palm. He hated not winning. If he could get her to say yes just once, then she’d see he wasn’t the ogre she made him out to be.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Guess you told her.” “She has a way of bringing out the worst in me.” “And here I thought that was my job.” He rubbed his cheek and grinned. A smile curled her lips. “You came to hear the speech.” “And you’re surprised.” He plucked a long blade of grass from beside the steps. “You made some excellent points.” “Enough to convince you to change your mind?” “Not necessarily.” His eyes sparkled with mischief in the afternoon sun. “Sorry about the heckler.” “I could’ve handled it myself, but I still appreciate your intervention.” “Do you appreciate it enough to have supper with me tonight at Louie’s?” The cleft in his chin deepened with the crooked grin. “Alone?” He glanced toward Olivia and her two friends now speaking to Marguerite and Lilly. “Unless you’d like to invite Mrs. DeSoto.” “Carter, I . . . I . . . can’t.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Well, if it isn’t Slugger. Maybe we could use you on the team.” “And maybe you could use some manners, Carter Stockton.” “Emily.” Her grandmother scowled at her. “And Carter, why on earth are you calling my granddaughter ‘Slugger’?”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Yes, Carter, thank you for your concern.” Emily gathered her tablet. “But I really must be going.” “In that case, I’ll walk with you since we’re going the same way.” “The baseball field is on the opposite side of the lake from the Yacht Club.” He gave Emily a lopsided grin. “Is it? I hadn’t noticed.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“What’s got you addled? Have you forgotten tomorrow’s our opening game?” “And the Merchant Browns have been looking good. They’d be quite happy to best us on our own field.” Carter downed the cup’s contents. “Which they will easily do if you don’t rally.” “I know.” Ducky cocked an eyebrow at him. “Who is she?” “What?” “Carter, we played college ball together for four years. You don’t make rookie mistakes like that unless you’ve got your mind on a girl.” “Don’t be ridiculous. We’ve only been here a couple of days.” Ducky clapped Carter’s shoulder. “That’s never stopped you before.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“She rose from the log and walked to a thicket of gooseberry bushes heavy with green-striped berries. “We should pick these. Britta might make you a pie.” “I hate the thorns, and with one of your arms out of commission, there is no ‘we’ in the picking part.” “A little hard labor won’t hurt you. You’re getting soft sitting in Daddy’s chair.” “Am I now?” He joined her at the bush. “I bet I can pick more than you.” She propped her free fist on her hip. “You’ve got two hands.” “I’ll only use one.” She plucked a large, ripe berry. “You’re on.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“A knock on the door startled her. “Heard my sister took a spill,” a familiar, deep voice boomed. She flung the door open. “Martin! I didn’t hear you come in.” “Unlike some people”—he tapped her nose—“I can manage to cross a room without tripping.” She shot him a glare. “I was skating.” “So I heard.” He leaned against the door frame. “I realize you’re injured, but why don’t you let me walk you down to the beach? It’s as hot as—” “Martin.” “What? I was going to say as hot as an oven.” “Of course you were.” She slapped her brother’s arm and followed him out.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch