“He keeps his arms away from me, but eventually, holding him, I feel him tuck his chin over my head. Then he whispers, “You’re the sweetest girl, the best girl, I ever kissed, Carrie West,” and rubs his face into… — Mary Ann Rivers Copy Share Image
“This is, of course, the privilege of love, to bear witness to a strong man’s grief over the little sister he could never save,… — Mary Ann Rivers Copy Share Image
“You were the first thing I had asked for, just for me, in a long, long time.” — Mary Ann Rivers Copy Share Image
“He moves to look in my eyes and everything below the belt swoops, then his big hands are around my face and he’s angled… — Mary Ann Rivers Copy Share Image
“That’s just it, Carrie. I’m not going to burden you. You would take it all, I can tell. God, it’s tempting. You’re tempting, and… — Mary Ann Rivers Copy Share Image
“No. I’m waiting because it’s not enough. What’s on the other side of the waiting is enough.” — Mary Ann Rivers Copy Share Image
“The problem is that stepping away from Brian, leaving him standing under that pergola on Wednesday, is no longer enough to leave behind how… — Mary Ann Rivers Copy Share Image
“The first book I ever read that made me cry. I was seven and hadn’t realized books could do that. Just finish you like… — Mary Ann Rivers Copy Share Image
“I love you. I couldn’t be more of a mess right now, but I can’t believe I haven’t told you because I have, for… — Mary Ann Rivers Copy Share Image
“And yet, every day, Brian gathers his sister’s long hair into a beautiful plait, and just the sound of his voice is enough to… — Mary Ann Rivers Copy Share Image
“Then he was quiet, and Nina didn't have anything to say. But he stayed on the phone, she could hear him breathing, and so… — Mary Ann Rivers Copy Share Image
“If I wanted, I could choose to make my life a place that Brian could step into. He didn’t have any room to move,… — Mary Ann Rivers Copy Share Image
“Did you know that your mouth, your skin, is so soft? All week, every time I’ve thought about it, my hands feel like they’re… — Mary Ann Rivers Copy Share Image
