85 Quotes by Laura Frantz

War had stolen much, including an appreciation of the seasons.

One of life’s most painful mysteries was that time moved on, with or without you. Those left behind loved and laughed and resumed living as if you’d never been at all.

Mostly I just want my daughter to read. To grow lost in books.

Are you alone?” she asked, glancing around. Never before had she seen him without a half dozen or so other Shawnee. “No. With you,” he said, eyes alight. She smiled, warmed by his teasing.

He sat down on the bed and gathered her up in his arms as if she were a child. Like Abby, she thought woozily. Like Papa had with her so long ago. Weak, she succumbed to the heady scent of him, gave in to the unfamiliar feel of his arms and solidness of his chest as he cradled her.

That man is in love with you, Roxanna Rowan. Why don’t you see it?

Love won’t be forced.” Nay, it would not. Love would be denied, rebuffed, cut down. Nipped in the bud long before the blossom. But never forced.

I suppose now is a terrible time to propose,” he told her, suddenly rueful. She looked at him in wonder. Truly, he had no shame, wooing her as he did when he could see she was in a dither. It took all her nerve to return his flirtatious banter and say, “Your timin’ needs work, Simon. But elopin’ might sit better than my quittin’. ” He grimaced. “I doubt it. I’d hate to stare down your pa’s gun barrel once we jumped the broom. Besides, I can’t marry someone I ain’t never courted or even kissed.

Law, but ain’t the colonel full of surprises? When he told me to fetch yo’ things cuz he wanted you up here tonight, I was almost as surprised as when he hightailed it out o’ here to carry you back from Smitty’s Fort. I figure he’ll be askin’ to marry you next.