I suppose more than anything, it's the way of life in this part of the country that influences my writing. In Eastern North Carolina, with the exception of Wilmington, most people live in small towns.

She leaned into me, and when I closed my eyes, I knew I wanted nothing more than to hold her this way forever.

After dinner, I become afraid despite myself. I know I should be joyous, for this reunion is the proof that love can still be ours, but I know the bell has tolled this evening. The sun has long since set and the thief is about to come, and there is nothing I can do to stop it. So I stare at her and wait and live a lifetime in these last remaining moments.

Women had a tendency to see what they wanted to see i men, at least in the beginning

You'll make mistakes and struggle like everyone, but when you are with the right person, you'll almost perfect joy, like you are the luckiest person who ever lived. And that means you'll love and be loved...and in the end, nothing else really matters.

Spreading the news is your duty as a Christian, and there are many ways to do this.

And believe it or not, she has a phone and everything. She stopped using smoking signals last year.