The vulnerability undid him even as the strength brought him pride. And the whole of her brought him love beyond the measuring of it. Of all he'd craved in his life, all he'd dreamed of having, all he'd fought to gain by fair means or foul, he'd never imagined having such such as she as his own. Never imagined himself the man he'd come to be because she was.

Didn't people consider what could happen if armies of farm animals united in revolt?

I had the blood and fire rule when my boys were young. You know, unless it's blood or fire, don't bother me.

Dinner's in one hour. If you're not back, sitting at the table, I'll beat you all unconscious with a spatula.

It shouldn't make you sad to know you're loved, Grayson." But it did. It made him sad, and panicked, and for just a moment, wishful.

I'd rather lie bare-assed naked on the sidewalk and be trampled by tourists from South Dakota than be an accountant.

What's your status?" she asked him. "Healthy, wealthy, and wise. What's yours?" "Ha. Mean, crafty, and rude.