So True a Love Quotes

“Kitty, I hope... I do hope you feel that you can trust me, like you would your father.” He circled his thumb along the top of her hand, undoing the stone wall she’d so carefully constructed to guard her heart. “We are true friends, are we not?” Friends. “Aye.” “Friends confide in one another, do they not?” A frown pulled down at her mouth, for surely he had a motive in asking such questions. But what?  The gentleness in his eyes, though still present, moved aside to allow for deep earnest as the muscles in his jaw flexed. He asked again. “Do they not?” Kitty nodded, pretending she didn’t notice every nuance of his expression. “Aye.” He leaned forward, urgency coating his timbre. Gently holding tighter to her hand, he almost whispered. “I need to know what happened the night you were attacked.” “What?” she breathed. He could not be serious. “Kitty, I am done pretending I don’t know something is wrong. Who is doing this to you?” Squirming, Kitty fought to keep her breath relaxed. “Who is... who is doing what?” “Kitty.” He moved to the edge of the bed. “I only wish to help you, you must know that. I will protect you, I vow it—only you must trust me.” Tears welled, blurring the wound along his eye. She had been the cause of that and despite her desires to trust, his safety trumped all. “I cannot tell you.” Her voice was flat as the words hopped from her mouth before she could stop them. He stilled, his posture pulling back. “And why not?” She tugged her hand free from his, instantly aching from the vacancy that replaced the warmth of his touch. “Do not ask me.” “Why, Kitty?” His brow pinched and his mouth stayed open as if more protests prepared to be spoken. Her throat swelled until it nearly clogged off the air that reached down for her lungs. She swallowed a groan and turned away. “It is not for you to know.” “It is for me to know.”  The compulsion to open her mouth and expel the awful truth she kept hidden was enough to make acid once again inch upward. She clenched her eyes shut, fear and hurt raging in her spirit like a tempest. “Please leave me.” “As you wish.” She shot her head in his direction. No, Nathaniel! I didn’t mean it!  He strode toward the door, and stopped, his mouth hard but hazel eyes soft as leather. “If you cannot place your trust in me, Kitty, I pray you will find strength to place it in someone.” With”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“I love you, Kitty.” Studying her face as if he had only just begun to treasure her the way he wished, he stroked his thumb against her cheek. “Shall we ascend to the bedchamber?” Kitty’s body suddenly grew hot with nerves both anxious and wanting, and she knew her face displayed her feelings as Nathaniel’s unreserved gaze roamed her up and down. A smile lifted his mouth. Releasing his hold, he trailed his hand down her arm and twined his fingers with hers. “Come, Kitty. Let me love you.” Kitty gripped his hand and stepped beside him. “Aye, Nathaniel. Forever.”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“We are alone.” His husky timbre tickled her heart. Kitty swallowed and turned, praying at least this once her emotions wouldn’t display on her face. “That we are.” She smiled despite how her breath came in quick, short bursts.  He stepped nearer, producing a white flower in his fingers. “Are you not pleased?” She could hardly speak for what his nearness did to her heart. “Aye, I am pleased.” His gaze narrowed on her mouth then skirted away and he studied her hair. Gently tugging against the pins that held her tresses in place, he all but whispered as he let her hair tumble around her shoulders. “I am glad to hear it.” Gently, he brushed her hair behind her ear and tucked the flower in place. “Now, Kitty, I will kiss you.” He leaned near and Kitty could not resist him. Tilting her head back, she welcomed his descent and wrapped her arms around his neck, lifting on her toes to more fully return his passion.”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“You name the moment, man, and I shall usher all from the house so you may enjoy your wife, as I can plainly see you wish to.” “Is such a thing so terrible?” Nathaniel chuckled. “All in good time.” Thomas took a sip. “I am very pleased.” “Pleased?” “Aye.” Thomas smirked. “’Tis no secret, I’m sure. You must know Eliza and I have always wished the two of you would marry.” “Did you?” Nathaniel tried to jest, but all humor remained subdued under the peaceful serenity of the moment. “Then I suppose I ought to thank you and your wife for hoping such, for I can assure you this union is more joyful than I could ever have imagined.”  Thomas cupped his arm. “And may your joy be ever constant, my friend.”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“I love you, Kitty. I love your virtue, your passion for good, your kindness and strength. I love the fire in your spirit and your yearning for right. I want to spend the rest of my days with you. And more than anything I want you to know that you being a Tory—” “Stop.” Kitty placed a hand on his chest. A light from within glowed, warming her body with the brightness of truth. “Nathaniel, that’s what I wanted to tell you—one of the things I wanted to tell you after church this past Sunday. God spoke to me. He showed me the errors of my thinking and I know now, without a grain of doubt remaining, that your cause, the cause of freedom, is God’s cause.” She paused, and lifted her chin. “I’m a patriot.” Nathaniel’s dark brow narrowed and his head tipped slightly. He never moved his gaze and his mouth tightened. Kitty licked her lips and shifted her feet. She smiled, hoping such would coax a response from him. “Are you not pleased?”  His expression didn’t change and a surge of panic inched up her back. “I do hope you are not upset. Nathaniel, you must know I wouldn’t jest about something like this to entice you to say you love me—” Nathaniel swooped down, cutting off her words with a kiss that turned her knees to liquid. His warm breath on her face mixed with her own and she clung to his chest to keep from melting to the ground. He pressed her to him, smoothing his hands down her back and gripping her as if he wished to mold her to him forever. He broke away, breathing heavy. The brightness in his eyes matched the glistening of his lips. “Nay, I am not upset. I’m delighted to the point of utter disbelief. Though I do believe you Kitty, completely.” A deep, quiet chuckle rattled in his chest as he lowered his head. “And I must ask you to stop your bewitching ways, or I won’t be able to resist you as I should.” His eyes wandered to her mouth and he shook his head. “You never answered me.” “Never answered you?” “I asked you to be my wife. Am I to believe my feelings are not returned?” Kitty’s heart grew wings. “Do you believe they are not?” He stepped closer and nuzzled her ear with his nose as he whispered. “Marry me tomorrow, and let me begin to cherish you the way I desire to for the rest of my days. For I can no longer withhold my longing for you Kitty, not when I am consumed by so true a love.”  Ever so slowly, he trailed kisses at the edge of her hair and down to her mouth. His warm, possessive kiss removed every other thought from her mind. He directed her face upward and continued sharing his passion until he finally pulled away, staring at her with parted lips and hooded eyes. “Marry me?” His voice carried no louder than a prayer. She nodded, her throat too thick to make a sound.  He must have seen the unspoken answer in her tear-filled eyes. Tucking the stray hair around her ear he leaned closer. “Are you opposed to an afternoon wedding?” “Nay,” she whispered. Trailing a finger around her ear and down her neck, Nathaniel’s mouth twitched upward into a smile that whispered of delicious secrets to come. “I am glad to hear it. As of tomorrow night you will no longer be Miss Katherine Campbell. You will be my Mrs. Nathaniel Smith.”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“I love you, Kitty. I love your virtue, your passion for good, your kindness and strength. I love the fire in your spirit and your yearning for right. I want to spend the rest of my days with you. And more than anything I want you to know that you being a Tory—” “Stop.” Kitty placed a hand on his chest. A light from within glowed, warming her body with the brightness of truth. “Nathaniel, that’s what I wanted to tell you—one of the things I wanted to tell you after church this past Sunday. God spoke to me. He showed me the errors of my thinking and I know now, without a grain of doubt remaining, that your cause, the cause of freedom, is God’s cause.” She paused, and lifted her chin. “I’m a patriot.” Nathaniel’s dark brow narrowed and his head tipped slightly. He never moved his gaze and his mouth tightened. Kitty licked her lips and shifted her feet. She smiled, hoping such would coax a response from him. “Are you not pleased?”  His expression didn’t change and a surge of panic inched up her back. “I do hope you are not upset. Nathaniel, you must know I wouldn’t jest about something like this to entice you to say you love me—” Nathaniel swooped down, cutting off her words with a kiss that turned her knees to liquid. His warm breath on her face mixed with her own and she clung to his chest to keep from melting to the ground. He pressed her to him, smoothing his hands down her back and gripping her as if he wished to mold her to him forever. He broke away, breathing heavy. The brightness in his eyes matched the glistening of his lips. “Nay, I am not upset. I’m delighted to the point of utter disbelief. Though I do believe you Kitty, completely.” A deep, quiet chuckle rattled in his chest as he lowered his head. “And I must ask you to stop your bewitching ways, or I won’t be able to resist you as I should.” His eyes wandered to her mouth and he shook his head. “You never answered me.” “Never answered you?” “I asked you to be my wife. Am I to believe my feelings are not returned?” Kitty’s heart grew wings. “Do you believe they are not?” He stepped closer and nuzzled her ear with his nose as he whispered. “Marry me tomorrow, and let me begin to cherish you the way I desire to for the rest of my days. For I can no longer withhold my longing for you Kitty, not when I am consumed by so true a love.”  Ever so slowly, he trailed kisses at the edge of her hair and down to her mouth. His warm, possessive kiss removed every other thought from her mind. He directed her face upward and continued sharing his passion until he finally pulled away, staring at her with parted lips and hooded eyes. “Marry me?” His voice carried no louder than a prayer. She nodded, her throat too thick to make a sound.”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“You’re avoiding me.” His rich voice drew her closer, while the jest in his words tied her lips into a grin she attempted to crush. “I am not.” “You are.” “I will neither confirm nor deny any such thing.” She lifted her chin and tried not to laugh as she knit her fingers behind her back, avoiding his gaze. If she allowed herself to reveal the emotions that hid behind her threadbare curtain of strength, she might never recover. He toyed with the lock of hair at her neck. His fingers tickled her skin and all she wanted to do was collapse against him and lose herself in his warm embrace. “Kitty,” he said, “I hardly know what to say. ‘Tis clear that I’m the chief of fools. If you never forgive me, I will understand, though I will pray for your forgiveness every day for the rest of my life.” His”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“You have many questions, and I will answer them. Now, I must focus on bringing you home, so you may be my wife.” “Your wife?”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“The door opened and Kitty jerked free from the remaining bands of sleep, hurling back to the dank night that surrounded her. Struggling to her feet, she gripped her stomach as the soldier entered. Closing the door, he stalked forward. Fear raged through her like a rabid animal.  She pressed harder against the wood. “Don’t touch me!” He lunged and covered her mouth. “Quiet!” Kitty writhed under his strong hands, struggling to get free. She tried to scream but his grasp was too tight. “Be still, Kitty, please!” All fight left her limbs in an instant and she dropped her arms to her sides. Blinking, she tried to clear the dream from her vision. It couldn’t be… He removed his hand from her mouth and stroked her cheek, his husky tone warm with concern. “Are you hurt?” She could hardly breathe. “I... I don’t believe it.” Her words quivered as much as her body.  “Believe.” Nathaniel studied her face and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “’Tis I.” Kitty took in quick short bursts of air and her voice cracked as tears burned her eyes. “I thought... I thought...”  “I was a fool.” He tugged her to him, holding her hard against his chest. His deep whisper caressed her heart. “Forgive me.” “Nay.” She pushed away from him, gazing up into his shadowed face. The words she harbored for so many weeks suddenly poured from her mouth like a river surging beyond its banks. “’Tis I who must beg forgiveness—” “Shhh.” He placed a finger to her lips. “There isn’t time, my love.” “But I must explain—” “Later. Come, we must take you away from here.” He tugged her toward the door.  “Not yet.” Kitty tugged at his arm. “I must get to Plymouth. They must know what’s coming.” “Nay, you mustn’t worry about Plymouth.” Nathaniel’s tone dropped. “The British believe you are the second courier.” A smile tilted one side of his mouth. “But you are not.” The meaning of his words settled upon her like dew. “So, the message has gotten through.” Nathaniel nodded and the solemn expression in his eyes softened to longing as his gaze lowered to her mouth. ***”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“Twas almost as if he could feel her presence; see her smile, hear her joyful laugh, smell the sweetness of her skin. Everything rested just how she’d left it. Peaceful, calm. A paradox to the turmoil that assailed him, like the storm that raged outside. Kitty, my love, where have you gone? Nathaniel”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“Higley was here.” “James Higley?” Thomas’s expression went flat. “You jest.” Nathaniel shook his head. “He was here after church services.” The memory stabbed him anew. “He was looking for Kitty. Said he had urgent business with her...”  He couldn’t bring himself to speak the rest, though Thomas must have deciphered what he did not say for he tipped his head back and released a mocking laugh that shook the walls almost as much as the continuing thunder. “If you believe that Kitty had designs on that man you are truly daft. She only ever cared for you.” “She was working for him, Thomas, can you not see?” With a grimace, Nathaniel pulled back. “’Tis not only that. I am a patriot. Higley is a Tory, a man made of the same cloth as she.” He released his grip on the chair and paced in brooding silence. Suddenly he stopped and pointed at Thomas. “You know, I should be pleased this happened. I should be pleased we discovered her treachery or I might have done something foolish.” Thomas’s expression softened only slightly. “Marrying for love is never foolish.” “Kitty is a traitor to her family, friends and to the people of this town!” “Take your share of the blame, Nathaniel. Your inability to love her despite her different political views—” “Inability to love?” Nathaniel swung the chair aside, his pulse raging. “I have loved Kitty with every pulse of my heart. I have pleaded with her to allow me to share the burdens she carried, and she would not!” He panted as if he’d run for miles. “Higley’s arrival today made everything clear. She refused to open her soul to me because she was working for the enemy, the man to whom she’d already given her heart.” Thomas yanked Nathaniel by the coat and shoved him away. “The only thing that has been made clear is the fact that you are too blinded by jealousy and fear that you cannot see what is clearly in front of you.” Nathaniel”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“Did you do it?” “Did I... did I do what?” The fury in his eyes drained the blood from her face.  His jaw ticked. “Were you or were you not involved in the theft of the powder from the magazine?” Her lungs started a desperate quest for air. What could she say? The ugly truth must be exposed, but didn’t he already know? Nathaniel stepped closer. “Deny it. I must hear you deny it.” Thomas neared, his own tone heavy. “What is he speaking of, Kitty?” Eliza came to stand behind Kitty and held her shoulders. “Nathaniel, come now, you know she would never do any such thing.” Kitty reached out to grip the chair beside her as the room wavered. Dear Lord, give me strength! Nathaniel stepped closer, looming only inches from her, his hazel eyes now darker than night. “Say it!” “’Tis not what you think Nathaniel, if you’ll only let me explain!” Nathaniel’s face contorted and he stepped back as if she were riddled with pox. The anger in his soft tone ripped the strength from her legs and she clutched the chair to stay erect. “You knew full well our desperation to keep the powder out of enemy hands and now I discover you were complicit!” “Nay!”  “You are the enemy, Kitty.” “Nay!” She lunged forward, choking on her tears. “Nathaniel please, I didn’t have a choice! If you will listen—” “Enough!” A crack of thunder shook the house as he stormed to the door.  Kitty stumbled forward. “Wait!” She gripped his arm, her limbs unstable under the weight of his deadly glare. “Nathaniel, listen to me. This note was bound for Plymouth. James gave it to Henry, but he dropped it and I—” “I refuse to listen to your lies.”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“He flung off his hat and threw it down on the desk, a roar building in his chest, but he kept it behind the cage of his ribs. His jaw ached from clenching. How could Kitty have chosen that man over him?”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“While James continued on Nathaniel squirmed, eager for this moment to find an end so he could take Kitty in his arms, lead her away and kiss her again, thereby removing all other men from her mind. Forever. Suddenly the truth socked Nathaniel in the gut with such force he nearly coughed.  His gaze jumped between the two. Not only was James dashing, good-looking, wealthy and from a well-known family, he was a Tory.”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“He pulled away and crouched down, plucking a white flower from the grass beside Kitty’s feet. Slowly he stood, rolling the delicate stem between his fingers. The tenderness in his Autumn-colored eyes seeped into her heart and cupped it as if he held her very soul. His gaze trailed her face as he brushed her hair back and gently tucked the flower behind her ear. Kitty sucked in a quiet breath as tingles flitted down her back. What had possessed him to do such a thing? Did he know what it meant to her?”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“How can I allow myself to get close to you when I know you are keeping something from me—from all of us.” Her eyes sparked with pain, turning her light eyes inky-blue. “Why are my affairs any concern of yours?” “Because I care about you, Kitty. How many times must I say it?” “Aye.” She straightened her posture and lifted her chin. “You care about me as much as you care about the other Tories in this town, which is frighteningly little. Because I haven’t yet embraced the idea of liberty, you choose to view me as less than worthy.”  Her words burned like a white-hot iron. He held his jaw rigid. “You know that isn’t true.” “Is it not? I’ve seen the affection in your eyes, but you evade the inconvenient declaration of love because it spoils your perfect future.” He yanked her forward. “Kitty, that is unfair. You know I care about you more than anyone. Ever since I met you I haven’t been able to think about anyone else.”  “Can you admit we are more than friends, Nathaniel? Can you say that you love me?” Kitty’s large eyes blinked. “I know you cannot.” Nathaniel’s”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“I would take away every fear that plagues you, Kitty. You must know that.” The”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“He and Kitty were friends, had always been, and ‘twas natural for him to enjoy the company of such a friend. It mattered not that she was a woman... and a pretty one at that. A smile tickled his mouth. Pretty, nay—beautiful. Funny. Brave. Intelligent. And wounded. A”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“I hadn’t wanted you to come.”  He didn’t move. “I know.” “You have enough people to care for, and after just being hurt yourself... it didn’t seem right for you to care for me.” “Would you have me neglect my patients?” “Nay.” “Then how could I neglect you?”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“I do wish I could have given you the care he might have, as I know I am lacking in his talent and experience.” He looked down and paused before meeting her gaze. “I do hope you know I did my best for you. Though I suspect, given the choice, you would not have had me here.” Regret dumped on her back like a wagon-load of dirt. “I... I hope you do not think—” How to say it? “You are a gifted physician, Nathaniel.” “Not like your father.” The temptation to reach for his hand made her grip the sheet. “You are.” “You would trust him with anything.” She nodded. “Of course.” Nathaniel paused, the depth in his voice expanding warm and wide. “What about me?” “What do you mean?” His eyes slipped from hazel to brown. “Would you trust me the same way?” “You know I would,” she whispered. “You would trust me with anything?”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“Tis difficult to watch anyone suffer, surely. But it pains most when ‘tis the woman you love.” The woman you love.   Nathaniel’s heart twitched and he looked away. Having only just discovered such for himself, voicing it to another would make the reality of it rest upon him in a way he was not yet ready to bear.  Thomas smiled knowingly, but his features remained solemn. “I know you try to hide it Nathaniel, but ‘tis plain to see. You are more your true self in her presence than I have ever witnessed.” Nathaniel grinned casually, trying to keep the growing heat from his face. Had he been so easy to read? “She is unlike any other woman I have known. I simply hate to see her in such pain.” He turned away, clinging to the one truth that would protect his heart. “You know I could never align myself with a Tory.” “Would you risk anything for her?” Nathaniel frowned. He needn’t answer something already so clear.  Thomas stepped closer and gripped Nathaniel’s shoulder. The weight of his voice mirrored the humorless question in his eyes. “Would you risk anything for her?” He flung Thomas’s arm away. “Of course I would risk anything for her, you know that!”  Thomas stepped back, undeterred by Nathaniel’s outburst. His tone remained even but dropped deeper. “Would you have her choose Higley over you?” Nathaniel froze, remembering Higley’s tender note. He couldn’t help the words from jumping from his mouth. “I would not.” “But what if she loves him?” He winced. “She does not.” Did she? “I don’t believe she does either.” Thomas shrugged with a slight grin that grated against Nathaniel like a dull kitchen utensil. “Higley is open in his affections and continues to write, asking Kitty to be his wife and join him in Boston. He accepts her for who she is...” His words trailed away, but his gaze nailed Nathaniel to the floor. What did Thomas imply? That Nathaniel didn’t accept her? “What are you inferring?” He crumpled the heightening jealousy in his chest and flicked it into the fire.  “You’re in love with her Nathaniel, and you must accept your affections or risk losing her.”  “I never had her to begin with.” “You would have Kitty marry Higley then?” “I will not speak of this with you.” He turned to leave, then spun and faced Thomas with the army of indignation that consumed him. “I will tell you what you so often told me. Leave this alone. I will worry about my own affections in my own time.” Thomas”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“Easing onto the bed beside her, he pulled her quivering form onto his lap and cradled her against his chest. Soft, quiet sobs shook her fevered body as he brushed his hand against her hair. He would willingly take all of her pains, all her fears upon himself. As she wept, he pulled her closer and whispered quiet reassurances, all the while plotting the what’s and how’s of finding the one responsible for the maltreatment she endured. Whoever had caused her this pain would have it returned to them a hundred fold and more. Finally, her tears turned to sniffles, then to silence and her body relaxed against him. Holding her head beneath his chin he looked up to the ceiling as the noonday light bathed the quiet room. Never again would she cry these tears. Never again would she fear. I promise you, Kitty.”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“Brushing the backs of his fingers against her cheek, he spoke through the tightness in his throat as moisture blurred his vision. “I give my all to you, Kitty. And God willing, you will smile at me again. I love you.”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“Tell me the tears on Eliza’s face have nothing to do with something foolish you’ve done.” Thomas jerked as if repulsed by the very thought. “You know I would never do anything to hurt her.” Nathaniel lifted and lowered one shoulder. “Not intentionally perhaps. But men are flawed creatures where women are concerned.” Thomas’s”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“I wonder who that would be?” Thomas’s tone of jest made Nathaniel fire back, lest his previous thoughts had somehow made it into his expression. “I’m certain ‘tis one of my many female admirers, come to bring me baskets of goods, with wishes for my quick return to health.” Thomas chuckled. “I would not doubt it.”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“Very well,” Nathaniel conceded, forcing himself back to the moment. He sat back against the headboard, arms folded. “I shall follow orders, but please do find me a more suitable companion. I’d much rather have a fair face to look upon for the coming hours, not your unpleasant one.” Thomas’s smile burst wide and a chuckle bobbed through the room. “And you resemble Adonis? I doubt you could find a single woman in all of Sandwich willing to sit beside you with your manner so sour and your face a pallet of blues and purples.”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“Is this about Nathaniel?” Kitty’s face went from hot to scalding. She closed her eyes, unable to stand Thomas’s pointed gaze any longer. Did he know what had happened between them, or had he simply spoken thoughtlessly? Eliza propped forward on her hands. “Did you and Nathaniel have a disagreement, Kitty?” Turning to Thomas, Kitty hurled daggers with her eyes. If he did know, he had better not say. Thomas pulled back, his jaw open. “For one who speaks so openly, I’m surprised you have yet to tell your sister.” He does know! “Kitty?” Eliza asked, eyes round. Kitty would have thanked Thomas for relieving her of the emotions of moments past, if not for the undesirable, nay wretched subject he chose to discuss. “’Tis nothing, Liza. I assure you.”  “Nothing?” Thomas shifted his weight and flicked his gaze between them, as if gauging his next move as carefully as one might a chess piece on a board. Finally his stare landed on his wife and he spoke with enough candor to make Parliament proud. “Nathaniel has kissed her.” Kitty groaned and dropped her head in her hands. Eliza gasped and tugged on Kitty’s arm, her tone carrying equal measures of delight and concern that made Kitty want to evaporate into vapors. “Did he really, Kitty?” Kitty pulled away and met Eliza’s wide stare. Better to confront the truth than deny it. “Aye, but ‘twas a mistake and won’t happen again. Are you satisfied?” She directed the last to Thomas. He stepped closer to the bed, the softening muscles in his face reading like the tender care of a sibling. “I cannot bear to see you suffer the pains of a broken heart, Kitty.” The tight muscles in her neck relaxed the longer she stared at him, the anger suddenly fleeing at the concern in his eyes. Though his disclosure was unwelcome, the tenderness was not. “Thank you, Thomas. My tears are not for Nathaniel. I can assure you my heart is fully intact.”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“Nathaniel?” Thomas’s voice boomed. Nathaniel glanced up with a jerk. “Hmm?” Brow drawn close, Thomas chuckled. “I’ve asked you a question. Twice.” Nathaniel sighed and wiped a hand over his mouth to smear away the heavenly sensation that continued to haunt. “Forgive me, I was simply... thinking.” “Simply thinking.” A smirk tempted at the edges of Thomas’s mouth. “What has you so distracted? A woman perhaps?” Nathaniel halted, glaring. “A woman? Nay, the threat of war has me distracted.” He pointed behind them. “Have I not just been discussing such vital issues? And without the slightest hint of preoccupation?”  Nathaniel’s question was answered by another in the narrowing of Thomas’s eyes. Gather yourself, Nathaniel. Don’t play the lovesick fool. He rubbed his temples, hoping his friend would leave the subject behind, but when he looked up, Thomas’s eyebrows shot to his hairline and an over-satisfied smile expanded on his face. “I know there is something you hide, and I venture to suppose I know the subject.” “Do you? That is remarkable, seeing as how I hide nothing.” Nathaniel’s collar tightened and he grimaced at Thomas’s expanding grin.  Nathaniel started up again, walking faster and mumbling frustrations in his mind he wished he could form on his lips but could not, lest Thomas take pleasure in knowing he was right.  Thomas stopped and grabbed Nathaniel’s arm. “Speak out, Nathaniel, or I shall be forced to say it for you.” Nathaniel yanked his arm away and kept walking, his words dipped in gall. “Say what?” “A woman has tied you in knots.” The”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“You are so enchanting when you’re upset.” “Enchanting?” How dare he laugh at her! How dare he toy with her feelings in such an insidious way?”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love

“I know your given name is Katherine. So why does everyone call you Kitty?” He pulled a bag of dried apple slices from his medical bag. With a few pieces in his hand, he gestured to Kitty but she shook her head to decline.  She sat straight. “Do you not know?” Holding a piece of apple up to his mouth, Nathaniel prepared for a bite. “I’m waiting.” He flicked the morsel in his mouth and began to chew. She grinned and played with the printed floral fabric of her skirt. “Father was in his study reviewing materials one evening, when Peter—” Nathaniel raised his hand, his expression tender. “You mean your older brother... the one you lost.” “Aye.” The pain of her brother’s death, though always fresh, receded as she prepared to share how her dear sibling had given her such a name. She brushed a blade of grass from her knee. “Peter must have been about two and a half years old, perhaps older. Father said Peter came rushing in babbling something about a kitty and pointing vigorously in the direction of the kitchen.”  Kitty imitated the motion, making Nathaniel’s handsome smile widen. “I’m intrigued. Continue.” “Father followed Peter toward the kitchen where, inside the barrel of flour and covered from top to toe was none other than the baby of the family. So, from that moment on Peter, Father, Mother and Liza all called me Kitty.” Nathaniel pelted the air with that buoyant laugh Kitty loved. “How did you get into the barrel without your mother’s notice?” “’Tis a mystery.” He leaned back onto the grass and rested against his elbow, nodding with mock disapproval. “So you were a wily child then?” “Am I not wily now?” “I should say so. And you’ve enjoyed getting your fingers messy in the kitchen ever since.” “Aye, I have.” He”
― Amber Lynn Perry, So True a Love