He shook his head in mock sympathy. "I tell you, Sage. Sometimes I think I am the one who needs to take out the restraining order on you.

My mind... It's who I am. I think I'd rather suffer any other injury in the world than have my mind tampered with.

You aren't afraid of throwing yourself in the path of danger, but you're terrified of letting anyone in.

A man can never compete with a woman's father

Not at all. I'm saying there's a fire in you that drives everything you do, that makes you need to better the world and those you love. To stand up for those you can't. It's one of the wonderful things about you.'' ''Only one, huh?'' I spoke lightly, but his words had thrilled me. He'd meant what he said about thinking those were wonderful traits, and feeling his pride in me meant more than anything just then.

I lifted the lid and found a piece of bread and some water—and a rat that quickly darted off the tray. Talk about adding insult to injury.

Why not wear a scar of Motherhood? Better than a tattoo or a mark of Honor. Let the world know what you've achieved.