Where She Belongs Quotes

“As AJ stirred milk into his melted chocolate and sugar mixture, he heard Shelby’s soft voice. His chest tightened, a pang for what he didn’t have. A wife. Children. Carrying”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“May I give you a ride?” Of all people. “What are you doing here?” AJ shrugged. “Thought you might want to treat me to supper.” “Why would I want to do that?” “It’s your turn.” She almost smiled. Almost. But his expression told her she hadn’t hid her amusement soon enough. “I’m mad at you.” She meant to sound mad, but somehow the words came out pouty, almost flirtatious. “What did I do now?” His tone made it clear he wasn’t taking her supposed anger very seriously. “The gravel.” “Oh.” He drew out the syllable and tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. “I told you not to.” His eyes, dark pools beneath the bill of his cap, looked mischievously into hers. “But I bet you’re glad I did.” He”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“How about going into town for lunch? My treat.” “With you? No.” “This may surprise you,” he said, a teasing lilt in his voice, “but I’m not my grandfather.” Shelby gazed at the broken swing. “Uncle Richard told me you’ve owned this house about five or six years.” “Six.” “What exactly did you do different than your grandfather?” A wounded frown replaced AJ’s amiable smile, and his eyes brimmed with pain. Regret gripped Shelby’s heart. She’d meant the words to sting a little, but not to cut. She opened her mouth to apologize, but he turned on his heel and headed toward his Jeep before she could say a word. Opening the driver’s door, he glared at her over the roof. “See you at the signing.” “I didn’t mean—” “I think you did.” He disappeared into the Jeep and started the ignition. As the vehicle bounced down the lane, Shelby’s heart jolted. It was as if she were fourteen again, as lonely and abandoned as the house behind her.”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“How soon do you want to move in?” “As soon as possible after school is out. In about six or seven weeks.” “Are you a teacher too?” AJ asked. Shelby shook her head. “I have a first grader. And a three-year-old.” “You’re married?” As AJ’s brown eyes flitted to her left hand, she self-consciously folded it into her waist. It’d been over a year since Gary’s death, but she still wore her wedding band. More for her daughters’ sakes than her own. “I was.”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“I love you, Shelby. Since that first day, I’ve loved you.” “I love you too. With all my heart, I love you.” He”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“Where’s Penny?” he asked. “Stuck at home.” Jason hoisted an ice chest. “She’s in heat.” “Are you going to breed her?” “Maybe next time. Are you wanting a puppy?” “Not really. Though I seem to be losing Lila to Elizabeth.” “Maybe if you’re real nice,” Jason teased, “Shelby will adopt you too.” “Ha-ha.”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“Renee and I have been speculating that you’re sweet on our nearest neighbor. Or is it none of my business?” “Is it that obvious?” “We see your Jeep here often enough as we’re driving by.” “Her daughters are crazy about my dog.” “Is that what it is?” Paul chortled. “Sully’s grandson and Thad’s granddaughter. I bet your granddaddy is just a-spinnin’ in his grave.”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“AJ slightly raised the cap’s bill, and she gazed into his eyes. “Stay,” he said. “Give us a chance.” The longing to do exactly that pulsated through her veins with each beat of her heart. It’s what she’d asked him to do only a few days before. “You like me, don’t you?” he teased. “Too much for my own good,” she retorted.”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“Wait a minute.” AJ stapled another section of the cloth, then strode to that part of the rail. She stepped to the edge of the flower bed. “What is it?” “You’re beautiful,” he whispered so Elizabeth wouldn’t hear. Shelby’s smile broadened, and her cheeks flushed. “You’re sweet.” He”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“If what he said was true—and Brett would never admit to fathering a child that wasn’t his—then AJ’s heart no longer needed to be torn in two. He’d still do whatever he could to help Meghan. But now he was free to give his whole heart to Shelby and her girls. If she’d let him.”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“Go to Shelby, AJ. Win her heart and be a dad to those two little hooligans who are so crazy about you.” The”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“With all my heart, I believed God brought me home to Misty Willow. But what if it was all wishful thinking?” “He did bring you here, Shelby.” AJ rested his chin against her forehead. “He knew I needed you.” “I need you too.”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“Sometimes I think . . .” She hesitated, unsure about sharing her secret fear with him. “You think what?” “I think they might love their mission more than us. More than me.” “That can’t be true, Shelby.” He slipped his arm across her shoulders and drew her close. She nestled her head against his shoulder, breathing in the familiar notes of his aftershave. “I”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“I’d get them a dog of their own if I knew we’d be staying here awhile.” He shifted to face her. “Why wouldn’t you be?” “The lawsuit.” “I thought we weren’t going to talk about that anymore today.” “You asked. Besides, not talking about it doesn’t make it go away.” “You can’t leave.” “If they win, I’ll have no choice.” “Where would you go?” The tone of his pitch tightened. “Not back to Chicago?” “I don’t want to go anywhere.”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“Squinting beyond the creek toward the western horizon, he adjusted his ball cap. The sun wouldn’t set for a couple more hours, but orange and gold streaked the sky. “Take a look at that. God’s handiwork.” “It’s beautiful.” So are you. Their”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“You’re something special, you know that?” “I try.” “I”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“I thought about bringing flowers, but I didn’t want you throwing them at me.” “I don’t want your flowers. I don’t want anything from you.” “Not even an apology?” “You expect me to believe you’re sorry?” “It’d be asking a lot, I know.”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“What happened to your hand?” “I hit something,” he said sheepishly. “Brett?” “Yeah.” “Did he hit you back?” The concern in her voice surprised her. AJ too, by his expression. The”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“Though nothing could beat the joy that coursed through his veins when the girls ran to him, so eager and happy. To him. Not to Brett. If only Shelby felt the same.”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“I like Mr. AJ.” Elizabeth snuggled close to Shelby. “He listens with his eyes.” Puzzled, Shelby looked down at her daughter, then at the disappearing Jeep. “What do you mean?” “He looks right at me when we talk.” “He does, doesn’t he?” “You like him too, don’t you, Mommy?” “Yes, I do.” Maybe too much.”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“I think we’ve seen every movie Cary Grant ever made a dozen times.” She widened her eyes. “Me too. Nanna adored Cary Grant.” “‘Everybody wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant.’” “I love that line.” “How about this one. ‘Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.’” “Arsenic and Old Lace.” “That’s one point for you.” “My turn. ‘Not that I mind a slight case of abduction now and then, but I have tickets for the theater this evening.’” “Too easy.” AJ smirked. “North by Northwest.” “We’re tied. One point each.” “So it’s a competition now?” “For biggest Cary Grant fan.” “Okay. Try this one. ‘There must be something between us, even if it’s only an ocean.’” “Every woman in the world knows that one.” “Then what is it?” “An Affair to Remember.” Shelby sighed dreamily. “And you can’t watch that one without watching Sleepless in Seattle.” “Another of Gran’s favorites.” “Did you really watch all those movies with her?” “Sure did. About once a month or so on a Sunday afternoon, we’d have a movie marathon.” His eyes softened as he revisited the past, then he grinned. “Sometimes I drifted off to sleep. So did she, but we both pretended we didn’t.” “Sounds like a pleasant way to spend a Sunday.” “It was.”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“The peacefulness of the summer day was broken only by Elizabeth’s laughter and Lila’s occasional bark as the two played a game only they understood. He ached for moments like this one. A tiny taste of what it would be like to belong to this family, this house. To be a father. A husband. “I’m”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“The lump thickened in AJ’s throat, making it impossible for him to speak. His eyes ached with the dam of unshed tears pushing against them. He stared at their hands, his and Shelby’s, clasped warmly together. He didn’t want her to ever let him go.”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“They’re fun kids,” AJ said, returning condiments to the refrigerator. “Though the next time we go fishing, we should figure out a way to drive there. Tabby’s heavier than she looks.” Shelby carried the dishes to the sink, her back to him. “There can’t be a next time, AJ.” “Why not?” He tried to sound nonchalant, though he already knew the answer. Maybe he’d find out a little more about this mystery boyfriend. Busy rinsing the plates, she didn’t look at him. Her shoulders appeared tense. “I just think it’s best they don’t get too fond of you.” The refrigerator door closed with a soft click. He went to her side, stifling the desire to put his arms around her. “Don’t you think it’s a little late for that?” “Not if they don’t see you again.” She scrubbed an already spotless plate. “I see.” His stomach turned to stone. “Guess I should get on home then.” “Wait a minute.” She turned off the faucet and dried her hands. “I meant what I said earlier. If you hadn’t been there . . .” “You would have managed.” She”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“Bless Mommy and Tabby and Mr. AJ,” Elizabeth said solemnly. “And thank you, God, for Mr. AJ showing me how to fish. Amen.” She opened her eyes and gazed at him, her pixie face radiant. “I had so much fun.” “So did I.” AJ grinned at her. “Maybe we can do it again sometime.” “Me too,” said Tabby. “I wanna fish.” “You too.” He tapped her nose, and she giggled. Throughout”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“Hot dogs and fries for supper. Would you like to stay?” AJ twisted his head, exaggeratedly looking behind him, then faced Shelby with a grin. “You talkin’ to me?” She gave an exasperated sigh. “It’s nothing fancy, but . . . well, I’m sure you didn’t expect to spend the day entertaining wet children. Thanks for taking us in.” “Does this mean you don’t hate me anymore?” “I never hated you.”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“Table for two?” “What do you say?” AJ nudged Shelby with his elbow. “You aren’t going to make me eat alone, are you?” “I should. But you look so pitiful.” “You”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs

“Does this mean you aren’t mad at me anymore?” “I was never mad at you.” “Could have fooled me.” “It’s”
― Johnnie Alexander, Where She Belongs