It was a strange combination to absorb - the everyday concerns of the town doctor stuck in the middle of a discussion of his early days in seventeenth-century London.

Don't worry, Mel. Miracles don't work that way. I'll never lose you. I'll never let you get away from me.

Don't watch" the redheaded mind reader whispered. I closed my eyes.

Time passes. Even when it seems impossible. Even when each tick of the second hand aches like the pulse of blood behind a bruise. It passes unevenly, in strange lurches and dragging lulls, but pass it does. Even for me.

I bit a pillow. Or two.

You stupid jackass," Ian said. "Who's got the crush on a worm, bro? You gonna call me stupid?

But I love you, “ he whispered. “Doesn't that matter?” “Of course it matters. So much. Can't you see? That only makes it more… necessary.” His eyes flashed open. “Is it so unbearable to have me love you? Is that it? I can keep my mouth shut, Wanda. I won't say it again. You can be with Jared, if that's what you want. Just stay.