I had my whole life planned.. I knew exactly where it was taking me.

Must protect my little pockets of happiness.

Then I lie down on the horse blanket and drift into a dream about Marlena that will probably cost me my soul.

I stare at her for a long moment. I want to kiss her. I want to kiss her more than I've ever wanted anything in my life.

I think there is just a vein of humanity that really loves animals and really loves to read about them.

Jacob: I've never seen so much manure. Wade: Baggage stock horses. They pack'em in 27 a car. Jacob: how do you stand the smell? Wade: what smell?

I stroke her lightly, memorizing her body. I want her to melt into me, like butter on toast. I want to absorb her and walk around for the rest of my days with her encased in my skin. I lie motionless, savoring the feeling of her body against mine. I'm afraid to breathe in case I break the spell.