Christopher heard a pair of women gossiping nearby, whispering in disapproving undertones. "... Ramsey was found flirting in a corner with a woman. They had to drag him away from her." "Who was it?" "His own wife." "Oh, dear.

Ah, Evie,” she heard him say softly, “I must have a heart, after all…because right now it aches like the devil.” “Only your heart?” she asked ingenuously, making him laugh. He lowered her to the bed, his eyes sparkling wickedly. “Also a few other things,” he conceded. “And as my wife, it’s your duty to ease all my aches.

The problem with chasing after happiness was that it wasn't a destination you could reach. It was something that happened along the way.

Somehow I knew that no matter what I chose to tell or to keep secret, he would understand.

No one needs to have their way all the time, first of all, but second of all, if you find the right partner, as a couple, you're going to create something together that is going to be better than what you could do or have individually.

I guess I thought the strength of my wanting would be enough to make him appear.

A lifetime with such a woman was not nearly enough.