But you're disappointed." He brushed a strand of hair from her face. "It's not possible for you to disappoint me.

She'd preferred the uncertainty, if only because it allowed her to remember him the way he used to be. Sometimes, though, she wondered what he felt when he thought of that year they spent together, or if he ever marveled at what they'd shared, or even whether he thought of her at all.

Finally getting control of myself, I kissed her again, then brought my hand to her face, gently running my fingers over her cheek. I marveled at the softness of her skin, the gentleness I saw in her eyes. Even now she was perfect.

When we first met, I didn't want to get involved with anyone. I didn't have the time or energy, and I wasn't sure that I was ready for it. But you were so good to me, and I got swept up in that. And little by little, I found myself falling in love with you.

I came to the conclusion that unrealized hopes, even small ones, were always wrenching.

I have always had an interest in how cultural rituals play into something as unpredictable as romance.

Good and bad, strengths and faults, he was hers forever.