Quotes from Deeanne Gist

Is that tender right there?" "A little." She backtracked and did it again. "Do you do that on purpose?" he asked, scowling. "Do you press it again to see if you can get a holler out of me?" "Of course not. I'm just trying to see if I feel any inflammation.

I've no plans to leave you, Billy girl. Not ever.

He wants a fifteen thousand pound settlement. Fifteen thousand! He says you're a great deal of trouble. She hesitated for one startled moment before choking back a laugh. I am. I thought so. He leveled Drew a look. If I pay you the fifteen thousand, do you swear to keep her? Drew reared back his head. Forever? Her father scowled. Forever. Oh, I suppose. He gave a long-suffering sigh. If I must. She bit the insides of her cheeks to keep from laughing outright.

She hated Mr. Meanie. But she'd gotten to know him and they'd reached an understanding of sorts. Now she was to have him for supper. Don't tell me you're feeling guilty? Breaking off a piece of the wing, she brought it to her lips and took a bite. It did taste good. Very good. I wonder if all grouchy males are this palatable. Drew choked. She looked up, tilting her head. Are you all right? He turned a dull red. Eat your supper, Connie.

That first scream, my lord, was indeed your daughter, my wife, and if you kill me, your grandchild will be quite without a father. Won't you come in?

You were kidnapped not? I was kidnapped. You were forced not into marriage? I was forced into marriage. You want not an annulment? I want not an annulment.

You next, he said. Out of those clothes and into bed. She nodded but didn't move from Sally's side. The thought of undressing exhausted her. Where would she find the strength such a task would require? I'm filthy. I'll ruin the new bed. I'll bring you some fresh water. I've no clothes to change into. His grin was downright wicked. I know. A short laugh escaped her.

Thought you didn't like red hair. One of Drew's dimples kicked in as he draped an arm about Grandma's shoulder. Must have me confused with someone else, but I'm not surprised. Seems to happen to most of the older set at some point or other.

Bitter disappointment pushed tears from her eyes. Now what's wrong? I said you could wear it. She drew in a shaky breath. I w-wanted you to l-like my dreeessssss. He moved his gaze over her. The gown makes my mouth water, love.

You could have arrived atop a wildcat and no one would have said a word. They will adore you.

Look. Isn't he beautiful? Drew's expression softened. Ah, Nellie. He's bald, pink, and has no teeth. What's so beautiful about that? Nellie's laugh tinkled out like musical chimes while she covered the babe back up.

Judge Rountree holds half my property in the palm of his hand. Denton's growl broke the silence. I'd appreciate if you didn't insult him at all, much less in his own home. He named his children One, Two, Three, and Four, she said. He deserves to be insulted.

Freedom didn't always equate with coming and going as he pleased. Or to living out in the open. Or to doing whatever he wanted. Sometimes, it was simply a matter of being free to laugh. Free to help others. Free to fulfill his calling.

Ho! Wise men say, 'He who hath not a good and ready memory should never meddle in telling lies.' Drew smiled. I have a good and ready memory.

Oh, they'll never believe a woman could solve such puzzles. They'll just assume I'm humoring you by editing it myself and allowing you to put your name to it. She raised her eyebrows. But you wouldn't be. He humphed. They'll never hear me admit it. I will, she said, a smile curving her lips. He shrugged. They'll believe me, not you.

Tillie studied her mother's face. The face which had seen thirty-seven years of life. Twenty-one years of marriage. The birth of ten babies. The death of one.

And so you should." He again assessed the newly replaced windows and repaired roof, then clapped Mack on the shoulder. "It's a good thing you're doing. And if you take time to share your knowledge with the boys, it'll give them much more than a skill. It'll give them hope.

Fine. You're Lucious Landrum and I'm Annie Oakley. Can I go now?

Still, he'd kept up his membership in the Gun Club. Had taken the girls hunting every chance he could. And still went everywhere with Odysseus—having retired Penelope the day they were married, for Georgie was now closest to his heart.

I give up, God. You made me. You know how I am. I cannot keep my distance. Nor can I keep those I love alive. Only you can do that. Only you are God. I give over. I fall prostrate before you. What you see fit to bless me with I will rejoice over. When you takest away, I will turn to you for solace. For you are the one and only God.

Drew had never before shot like he did that day, nor has he since. It was something to see. The contest had just begun when he walked up, aimed, and felled a cluster from the very top of the boughs.