Dad," I Said Hesitantly, "i Wish You

A Slow Smile Began On Gideon's Face, And His Blue Eyes Sparkled. With A Shake Of His Head, He Put His Hand On His Chest, As If The Sight Of Her Was More Than His Heart Could Bear.

The Boy Heaved A Sigh. "i Would Ask To Go With You," He Said, " But I Have To Finish My Lessons. I So Look Forward To The Day When I Know Everything. Then I Won't Have To Read Any More Books Or Do Any More Counting." Beatrix Smiled. "i Don't Wish To Be Discouraging, Rye, But It's Not Possible To Know Everything." "mama Does." Rye Paused Reflectively. "at Least, Papa Says We Mus T Pretend She Does, Because It Makes Her Happy." "your Father," Beatrix Informed Him With A Laugh, " Is One Of The Wisest Men I've Ever Known.

And I Wonder How Gage Knew This Is What My Soul Has Craved. He Turns Me To Face Him, His Eyes Searching. It Occurs To Me That No One In My Life Has Ever Concerned Himself So Thoroughly With My Happiness.

The Guy Who Broke Up With Me... He Was Exactly Like You, In The Beginning. Charming, And Nice. They're All Like You In The Beginning. But I Always End Up Like This. And I Can't Do It Anymore.

I Didn't Expect It Was Going To Be Easy. But Hard Work Is A Lot Easier To Tolerate When It's Something You Want To Do Instead Of Something You Have No Choice About.