When Love Calls Quotes

“I think she fell out of the stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Remember, nobility knows no race or station. Always judge a man by his heart and actions.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“I want you to be true to who God made you to be and not compromise your values for anyone or anything.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Put this on.” He pushed the coat into her hands. “I’ll go get the quilt because you’re going to need all the warmth you can get.” “What about you?” “So you’d like me to warm you up too?” Her face bloomed crimson. He grinned. “I’d love to warm you up, but your sisters are watching.” “Th-that’s not what I meant. I was worried about you being cold.” “It’s nice to know you care.” He pulled the coat from her hands and draped it around her shoulders. “I didn’t say that.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Arms flailing, Lincoln fought his rapid descent. Mud gave way beneath his feet, and he landed with a splash in Union Park’s lake. Shocked to his core, he looked up into Hannah’s laughing face. “W-why did you do that?” “I decided to take a risk.” She giggled, backing away, almost daring him to retaliate. “And if you’re going to spend time with me, you might as well learn there are going to be some surprises.” “Is that so?” A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and his chest warmed. So, she was accepting his offer. “Well, Miss Gregory, you’d better expect some surprises as well.” He rushed toward her, creating a spray in his wake. She squealed and dove out of his reach. He caught her waist and pulled the laughing woman into his arms. With her hair hanging in damp rivulets around her face and her eyes alight with anticipation, she took his breath away. She shivered against his chest. “Lincoln Cole, if you douse me again—” She squirmed in his arms, then looked into his eyes and stilled. She licked her lips. “What are you doing?” He raised his hand, removed soggy weed from her hair, and cupped her cheek. “Giving you the surprise you deserve.” She shivered again, and he noticed a bluish tinge to her lips. Good grief. She was freezing, and even if he wanted to warm her up as only he could, standing in a lake was hardly the place for a first kiss. Before desire won over practicality, he bent and tossed her over his shoulder. “Put me down!” She squirmed and pounded on his back with her fists. “It would serve you right if I did toss you back in.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“shoving a clump of weeds off her face, she clambered to her feet. When she looked at the bank, there stood Lincoln, now in shirtsleeves and barefoot. He stretched out his hand toward her. She crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head. “I know you could get out all on your own.” His voice was tender, and the mirth was gone from his face. “But you don’t have to.” Her anger blew away like the down of a dandelion, and her insides swirled. He was making a point, and he was offering her much more than assistance in getting out of this lake. But did he realize what he was asking her to do? She was the oldest sister. She took responsibility. She handled everything life threw at her, and she didn’t count on anyone’s help. Not even the Lord’s, a small voice whispered inside her. Rubbing her chilled arms, she took one step closer and stopped. “Hannah, I’m giving you the freedom to choose.” His dove-blue eyes were filled with hope. “I won’t push you, but I thought you liked taking risks.” “I do.” “Then take a risk on me.” Hannah stared at Lincoln’s outstretched hand and smiled. She’d take a risk, all right. As soon as his hand clasped around her own, she yanked him with all her might toward the water.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“The boat tilted and pitched her into the chilly lake. Sputtering, she stood up in the shallow water only to hear the sound of Lincoln’s roaring laughter echoing off the glassy surface of the water. She glared at him. How dare he? “Are you going to stand there? Aren’t you going to help me out?” “Well, Miss Independent, you said you could do it yourself.” In four long strides, he left the dock and sat down in the grass on the shore. She gaped at him. Despite the shivers wracking her body, coal-hot anger gnawed at the pit of her stomach. Was he honestly going to leave her to slog out of this lake alone? The smirk on his face said he most certainly was. She sloshed through the weeds to the edge of the shore. Her heavy, water-soaked clothes weighted down each step. Her foot sank into the mire at the bottom, and the mud sucked her shoe off. She bent, dug in the slimy goo, and fished out the shoe with her hands. She heaved it toward the shore, where it missed Lincoln by an inch. Too bad. Maybe her aim would be better with the other shoe. She removed it and heaved it toward him. He caught it in his right hand. “Want help now?” “No!” “Good.” He leaned back and rested on his elbows. “Nice sunset, isn’t it?” Oooh, that man. When she got out of here, she was going to give him a tongue-lashing he’d never forget.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Tessa whooped and Charlotte squealed as the swing spun faster. The centrifugal force weakened Hannah’s tenuous hold. Her fingers slipped, and she slid across the seat—and into Lincoln’s open arms. Immediately, he pulled her tight against him as if he’d been waiting for the moment. That figured. She felt the hardness of his chest against her back and started to pull away. His hand came to rest protectively over her midsection, searing her flesh through her shirtwaist. He pressed his lips to her ear. “Can’t let you go flying off like some Tympanuchus cupido.” She swallowed hard as her heart drummed against her rib cage. Could he feel the pounding beneath his large hand?”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“So tell me about those courtship displays.” Did he honestly expect her to share that? With his hands splayed across her waist, sending a current through her entire body? He helped her down, stepped away, and motioned with his hand for her to continue. “Go on. I’m listening.” Could he see the flush of her cheeks? Her discomfort at the subject? He cocked an eyebrow at her, making it clear he didn’t plan to let this go and that he enjoyed making her squirm. She could do this. It was factual information. She cleared her throat and met his eye. “The birds show off at dawn and dusk. The males display their plumage and call out to the females. They may drum their wings or rattle their tails, and occasionally they may fight with other males.” Lincoln held her gaze. “If he’s willing to fight for her, then the female he’s interested in must really be a prize.” Hannah’s heart fluttered like the wings of a bird. She looked away. She had to find something to distract him from this present course of discussion. “Hey, look, that’s a prairie chicken.” “I suppose you even know its Latin name.” “Tympanuchus cupido.” “Did you say something about Cupid?” Her mouth opened, but no words formed. Good grief. This was going from bad to worse.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Lincoln, I meant what I said yesterday.” It wouldn’t be fair to let him have any illusions about today. “I know you did.” He turned and flashed her a dangerously handsome smile. “But your sisters and I want to celebrate your first day. Don’t spoil this for them, Hannah. And can there be any harm in a little picnic?”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Why should I help you? Can’t you get Hannah to like you on your own?” His brilliant idea of making an alliance with the sisters was beginning to tarnish, and Tessa didn’t appear to want to make this easy. Did obstinacy run in the Gregory family? Negotiating with a roomful of lawyers was easier than this. “I simply thought we could all help each other.” He flicked a bud casing from the automobile’s windshield. “Hannah doesn’t seem to like leaving you and your sister home alone, and I’d like to spend some time with her, so going on a picnic together works for all of us.” Tessa caressed the steering wheel. “Except for Hannah if she doesn’t want to be around you.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Did she say that?” “Naw, she’s almost as moony-eyed about you as Charlotte is about George—but she’d skin me alive if she knew I told you that.” Tessa pretended to make a turn. “But something must be wrong, or you wouldn’t be here trying to get Charlotte and me on your side.” “I think you’re too smart for your own good.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“A godly man who loves a woman will want to cover her, protect her, and provide for her, but dear, you first have to accept the edge of his robe.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Rosie’s”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Do you like my hair?"

"What?" She tilted her head to the side, revealing her creamy neck. "Why are you asking that now?"

"Do you?"

"Yes, very much."

"Good. Next time you think of going off on some tangent, think how my nice head of brown hair will be turning gray if you don't stop scaring me."

Her lips curled in a genuine smile. She lifted her hand and touched the hair at his temple. "I think I'd like you gray too."

He captured her hand in his and kissed the fingertips. "And if I have my way, someday you'll get to find out if you do.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Pete chuckled. “Politics isn’t about winning. It’s most often about compromise and forging relationships with people you may not even like. People”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Do you have any idea how lovely you are tonight? I think every man here has his eye on you.” Lincoln spun her in a circle. “I hope you’ll squeeze in a few more dances with me.” Her skirt swished against her legs. “If it was up to me, you could have them all.” “I wish I could. But even with her modern ways, I’m afraid my aunt would point out that faux pas.” He drew her closer. “Just remember who you belong to.” Belong to? Normally such a phrase would raise Hannah’s hackles, but she found it stirred something entirely new inside her. She risked a quick glance upward, her heart hammering in her throat when she caught a glimpse of the heat in his eyes.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“I’ll go pick up your sisters while you’re out riding.” He pulled her close and pressed his lips to her ear. “And you and I will sneak away for some quality time tonight.” Even in the breeze, her cheeks flamed. “Is he whining again?” Aunt Sam cast her a knowing glance. “What are we going to do with him? You’ll have her all to yourself tomorrow.” She waved her fingers at Lincoln and started down the path. “Time to fly, Hannah.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Hello, Courthouse Main. Number, please.” “The only number I want is yours, Miss Gregory.” “Lincoln,” she whispered, “you aren’t supposed to call me here.” Jo cast her a sidelong glance and mouthed it was fine. “Hey, when love calls, you have to answer.” He was quiet for a second. “I hate to admit this, but I’m a little jealous of my aunt. You’ve spent so much time with her, we’ve barely had a moment together.” “We’ve been together.” “Not alone.” How true that was. She’d wanted to tell him about the call she’d overheard, but there’d not been a good time to do so. She missed him, but Aunt Sam would leave soon, and then they’d have all the time in the world. She tried to make her voice sound light. “I miss you too.” “Then how about I pick you up after work.” “I’m going cycling with your aunt. She has a call she wants to make too.” “Hannah . . .” he moaned. “You’ll live.” She leaned close to her mouthpiece. “And I’ll see you in my dreams.” “If you think that silky voice of yours is helping, you are so wrong. If you’re not careful, I may have to kidnap you.” “You’ll have to find me first.” She laughed.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for her.” “You really love her, don’t you?” “With all my heart.” Walt pressed his hands to his knees and stood. He offered his hand to Lincoln. “I’ll do it—for her.” Lincoln clasped his hand and shook it firmly. “Thank you.” “No, thank you. I can see you love her, and I know she loves you. You’re a lucky man.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“When had she won his heart? That first day they met, when she so bravely spoke to him? When she came to ask for help for her friend? When she pulled him into the lake? It wasn’t one moment. It was a hundred little ones. And he hoped there’d be a lifetime more to come.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Do you like my hair?” “What?” She tilted her head to the side, revealing her creamy neck. “Why are you asking that now?” “Do you?” “Yes, very much.” “Good. Next time you think of going off all by yourself on some tangent, think how my nice head of brown hair will be turning gray if you don’t stop scaring me.” Her lips curled in a genuine smile. She lifted her hand and touched the hair at his temple. “I think I’d like you gray too.” He captured her hand in his and kissed the fingertips. “And if I have my way, someday you’ll get to find out if you do.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“But I had to see you because I have something I need to ask you.” A smile flitted across his face, then vanished. “Me first.” Nerves tingled inside her. Why hadn’t she prepared an answer to the question she knew he’d ask? She licked her dry lips. “All right.” “Have you thought about what I said?” She studied his expression. Cautious expectation flickered in his eyes. She hated to dash his hopes—especially here, especially now. Still, was it fair not to tell him the truth? If Brother Molden was right about love demanding tough choices, this had to be one of the hardest. “You don’t need to say anything.” He clenched his jaw, betrayal lacing his words. “I’ve known you long enough to read the answer on your face.” “I do care about you, but I—” “Love him.” He forced a smile. “I know.” “I’m sorry.” “Don’t say that.” He gripped the bars so hard his knuckles whitened. “You should never be sorry for loving someone, and I want you to be happy.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“If you count ‘please pass the butter’ as meaningful conversation, then I guess I can agree with you.” “She’ll get over it soon. Besides, I’m the one who told him to take the two-week break.” “But she likes you.” “Of course she does. I’m a very likable fellow.” He drew circles on the back of her neck. She shuddered beneath his caresses, and he smiled. “Don’t you agree?” “Most of the time.” He loved the teasing sound of her chocolaty voice.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Walt placed his hands on her shoulders. “Hannah, I need to tell you something.” She turned, and the look in his eyes made her nerves tingle. “What is it?” “I had a lot of time to think in jail, and I hope you know I have your best interests at heart.” Hannah stiffened. Nothing good came from a sentence prefaced by that. He took her hand. “I think you’re making a mistake with Lincoln Cole.” “That’s none of your business.” She yanked her hand away and marched down the sidewalk. He fell in step beside her. “I know what you need better than anyone.” “No, I know what I need more than you do.” She stopped at the corner where the streetcar would pick him up. “And for your information, he loves me and I love him.” “Then I’d say you have some deciding to do.” The streetcar approached, bell clanging. She held her basket in front of her like a barrier. “And why is that?” “Because I love you too.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“You know what? I’ve never kissed anyone on top of the world.” “I’m sure there are rules against that kind of thing up here.” “You’re going to start following the rules now?” “I’m trying to be a proper lady.” She licked her lips. “But alas, I fear I’m hopeless.” Needing no further invitation, he dipped his head and kissed her thoroughly. Every sense came alive, and he pulled her closer, tangling his hand in her silky tresses. If anyone was hopeless, it was him. Hopelessly in love with Hannah Gregory and on top of the world.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“She touched her lips with her hand, and tears filled her eyes. “I feel like I’ve stepped into a fairy tale.” “That makes me the handsome prince, right?” Still under the library’s spell, she didn’t answer.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Ready to see the law library?” She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. “If it’s as beautiful as this, I might faint.” “Then I guess I’ll simply have to enjoy catching you.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Now, I’m going to walk you home, and you’re going to let me. And tomorrow night I’ll make sure you’re not walking home alone, and you’re going to trust me to take care of that. Understand?” She simply nodded, because for the first time in her life, she was speechless.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“You didn’t think I could figure something out so the woman I care about doesn’t have to walk home in the dark, running from wild dogs? You didn’t think I could manage to arrange that and still maintain your honor?” He smelled like Diamond C soap and something woodsy, and his nearness was intoxicating. She splayed her hands on his chest and could feel it heave beneath her palms. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.” “Hannah, I’m not offended.” He cupped her cheek with one hand. “You scared me senseless.” “I scared you?” “Yes, and I’d tell you never to do it again, but I think that would be a wasted effort.” He traced her lips with the pad of his thumb. “And right now, I have something else I’d much rather put my effort into.” His hand slipped around the back of her neck, sending shivers coursing through her. She held her breath as he lowered his head until his lips touched hers in the sweetest of kisses.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Would you mind helping me right myself?” “Actually, I’ve a good mind to take advantage of your current position and give you the paddling you deserve.” She squirmed, trying to get up on her own. “You wouldn’t dare.” He exited the Reo, rounded the back, and placed his hands on her waist. “Are you sure about that, Miss Risk Taker?”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls