You're dressed for dancing," she said in her throaty stage voice. "Being undressed for dancing occured to me, but I didn't think Merris would like it.

Actually," Alan said, earnest and clear-eyed, "this is my first time playing poker.

Listen to me. I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know what any of this means. But I know this much. It doesn’t matter. You’re not one of them. You never were. You’re not theirs. You’re mine.

In two words," said Alan quietly, "there is nothing I love half as much as you.

Wearing that? Wouldn't you fancy a shapeless cardigan instead? You rock a shapeless cardigan, honey.

I don't mean to cast a dark shadow on all your hopes and dreams, except of course I do, because that is who I am. I'm a dream ruiner.

Your timing is amazing," Kami told him. "By which I mean, I am amazed by it.