" I— I am no’ deservin’ of such kindness. I am tainted, do you no’ see that?”
“All I see, Bethie, is the woman I—”
Love.
“— care deeply about and wish to protect.”
The word had come to him so naturally, had slipped onto his tongue as if he’d meant it. And to his astonishment, Nicholas realized he did.
He loved her.
He was in love with Bethie Stewart. "

― Pamela Clare