If she cries, I want to wear pants for a week," I offered. "Done," Maxon said. "And if she doesn't, you owe me a walk around the grounds tomorrow afternoon." "You drive a hard bargain, sir, but I accept.

It's just the way it is. The sky is blue, the sun is bright, and Aspen endlessly loves America. It's how the world was designed to be.

Need someone to talk to? I could tug my ear right now.

I don't know if I'm supposed to be holding on or letting go. I don't want to give up, but if there's nothing for me to hope for, then tell me.

if you like the lovable sound of an asthma attack in your ear every time you tell a joke.

It turns out I'm absolutely terrible at staying away from you. It's a very serious problem.

The Angeles air was quiet, and for a while I laid still, listening to the sound of Maxon breathing.