In three days," he continued, "I will be your husband. I will take a solemn vow to protect you until death do us part. Do you understand what that means?" "You'll save me from marauding minotaurs?

He said he loved me,” she whispered. Daniel swallowed, and he had the strangest sensation, almost a premonition of what it must like to be a parent. Someday, God willing, he’d have a daughter, and that daughter would look like the woman standing in front of him, and if ever she looked at him with that bewildered expression, whispering, “He said he loved me . . .” Nothing short of murder would be an acceptable response.

It was one of those things that had to be experienced to be understood

It's the curse of motherhood. You're required to love us even when we vex you.

Don’t tell me your name. It’s likely to awaken my conscience, and that’s the last thing we want.

Tell me something wicked.

I knew nothing but love and devotion when I was growing up. Trust me, it makes everything easier.