Linda Lael Miller Caleb-love quotes Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Love Quotes

Do you know what it was like in that goddamn hellhole of a prison? The words were torn from his throat. Caleb shook his head. I wouldn’t presume to say I did. There were rats the size of house cats. Toward the end we ate them just to stay alive. Caleb closed his eyes against an image that would never leave him. I’m not sorry that I let you live, he said after a brief silence. Joss glared at him in rage. You’d put me through that hell all over again, wouldn’t you? he demanded. Damn you, you would! If it meant your life? You’re damned right I would. I’d put you through it a thousand times. He paused and drew a deep, tremulous breath. Joss, step into my boots for a minute. Go back to that day. Remember the screaming, and the cannon fire, and the sound of bullets whistling past your head. This time you’re the one that’s on your feet, and I’m lying on the ground with my arm gone. I ask you to shoot me—hell, I beg you to shoot me. What are you going to do? Joss’s throat worked as he swallowed. He hesitated for a long time as a variety of emotions moved in his face. Then he said, I’d shoot you. You’re a liar, Caleb answered. The giant, the man he’d loved and admired from the first day he’d known what it meant to have a brother, glared at him. God damn you, Caleb— You wouldn’t have been able to kill me, because I’m your brother. Because you taught me to ride and shoot, because the blood in your veins is the same blood that runs in mine. You would have done exactly what I did, Joss, and somewhere inside yourself you know it. Joss shook his head as if to fling off an image. You listen to me, he yelled, waggling a finger in his brother’s face. I hate you. Do you hear me? I hate your miserable Yankee guts, and I plan to go right on hating you from now until they put me in a box and throw dirt on top of me! The
― Linda Lael Miller,

Lily and the Major

Do you know what it was like in that goddamn hellhole...

- 16th June 2020 0

You’re so much smarter than I am, Caleb. So much stronger and so much more persuasive. If I married you, I wouldn’t be myself for very long. I’d soon become the person you want me to be. He sat back in his chair, his arms folded across his chest. I wouldn’t change you for the world, he protested quietly. Yes, you would, Lily insisted. You’d make me into a china doll, overseeing tea parties and embroidering samplers and gazing at you in worshipful adoration. And eventually you’d get tired of me, Caleb, and take a mistress. He glowered at her, as though insulted. I would never betray you. Oh, no? What about when I’m pregnant, Caleb—all fat, with swollen ankles and a chronic case of the weeps. Can you honestly say you wouldn’t turn to another woman for the comforts you so obviously need? I’d find you more attractive than ever, Caleb answered with annoyed certainty. Lily picked up her spoon, then set it down again. Her hands knotted into fists in her lap. You weren’t faithful to Sandra. Why should I fare any better? Because I love you, for one thing. And I explained before—I didn’t sleep with Sandra. I might not feel like sleeping with you, either—if I happened to get pregnant, that is. What would you do then, Caleb? Wait, he answered. Then a slow grin spread across his face. And do my damnedest to seduce you. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m pretty good at that. Lily flushed and squirmed a little, remembering. There was no denying his assertion: Caleb could practically tumble her onto her back with a look or a touch. The fact tormented her, for she couldn’t discern whether it was because of some special skill on his part or because she was basically a loose woman like her mother. I’ve noticed, she admitted. Caleb gazed at her for a long time, then went back to eating his stew.
― Linda Lael Miller,

Lily and the Major

You’re so much smarter than I am, Caleb. So much stronger...

- 16th June 2020 0

I see he gave you a ring, Rupert remarked, glancing at the twinkling diamond on Lily’s finger. I’m only wearing it because it won’t come off. Why did you put it on in the first place? Lily sighed. I didn’t—Caleb did. I see. We’ve come full circle, Lily—back to my original question, which you so neatly evaded. Do you love Caleb Halliday? Lily lowered her head. Yes, she answered weakly. I think about him all the time, and I get cold chills and hot flashes, just like when I had the flu. I even feel a little bit sick to my stomach. It’s love, all right, Rupert said. He sounded very worldly wise for a schoolmaster who had only now gotten around to considering marriage. And you don’t want to marry him because you think you might be like your mother? Lily wanted to make her case by explaining how hot-blooded and wanton she was with Caleb, but it wouldn’t be delicate to speak too specifically of such things with a man. It’s more than that, she said. I’ve got my heart set on a place of my own, and on finding my sisters. Caleb wants to leave the army and go back to Pennsylvania to live. Marrying him would change the whole course of my life. Love often does that. Lily
― Linda Lael Miller,

Lily and the Major

I see he gave you a ring, Rupert remarked, glancing at...

- 16th June 2020 0

I have another problem. Caleb’s grin was at once endearing and obnoxious. You’re naked in my bed, and you don’t own a stitch of clothing in the world, he agreed. You needn’t look so pleased about it! Lily snapped, drawing up her knees and wrapping her arms around them. She was very careful not to let the covers slip away from her breasts. Not only that, Caleb went on, as though she hadn’t spoken, but the whole fort is talking about us. Speculating on what’s going on right here in this room. Lily flushed. Now that she could see things in better perspective she was furious with herself for giving in to Caleb the night of the fire. If she’d gone to Mrs. Tibbet and asked for a place to stay, she could have avoided this problem. She let her forehead rest on her upraised knees. I’m just like my mother, she despaired. Caleb made her lift her head. No, he said softly. She gave up, and you don’t have the first idea how to do that. I don’t mind telling you that sometimes I wish you did. He paused. You’re still going to move onto your land, aren’t you? Lily swallowed. Yes, she said, because Caleb was right. She didn’t know how to give up on her dream. She’d had to struggle for everything all her life, and she’d never learned to walk away from something she wanted. The major rose from the bed, gazing distractedly toward the window. Lily knew he wasn’t seeing the fluttering lace curtains, which needed washing, or the blue of the sky. Presently he spoke, his voice hoarse and so low that she had to strain to hear it. I guess there’s no point in talking about it anymore, then. I’ll see what I can do about getting you some clothes. Caleb’s loving had affected Lily like a dose of opium, but now she was fully awake, and having to stay in bed was like being held prisoner. Mrs. Tibbet may still have some of Sandra’s things around, she suggested. Caleb didn’t so much as glance in her direction. Right, he answered, crossing the room and pulling open the door. Caleb, wait! Lily cried. You can’t just walk out and leave me here like this—I need to know how soon I can expect you back! He let his head rest against the doorjamb for a moment, and his shoulders, always so straight and strong, looked slightly stooped to Lily. Half an hour, he said, and then he was gone, closing the door quietly behind him. Lily
― Linda Lael Miller,

Lily and the Major

I have another problem. Caleb’s grin was at once endearing and...

- 16th June 2020 0

Your bath is ready, sodbuster. Lily stood. I’m not going to bathe in the open, she said. All right, then, Caleb answered, pulling his shirt from his trousers, I will. No sense letting all this nice hot water go to waste. Lily might have loved Caleb Halliday, but she begrudged him that clean, steaming bath water in the worst way. Don’t you dare step into that tub, she said, marching over to where he stood. It’s mine. Caleb smiled and folded his arms. Fine, he said. He didn’t show any sign of moving, and the fire around the tub was getting low. Soon the chilly evening air would cool the water. You could at least give me some privacy. He smiled and sat down on the nearby stump of a long-gone maple tree. I could, he said. It was perfectly clear that he didn’t intend to, however. Lily looked with longing at the water, then turned her back on Caleb and pretended he wasn’t there. Quickly, before her courage could desert her, she removed her clothes and stepped into the tub. The feel of the hot water closing around her tired, achy flesh was so delicious that she made a little crooning sound as she settled in. She was caught completely by surprise when Caleb joined her, naked as the day he’d left heaven, and sank into the water. Some of it splashed over the edges of the oblong tub and sizzled as it met the fire. I suppose it would be a waste of breath to ask you to get out of this tub, Lily said. Absolutely, Caleb replied.
― Linda Lael Miller,

Lily and the Major

Your bath is ready, sodbuster. Lily stood. I’m not going to...

- 16th June 2020 0

How did it start? he asked finally, turning away from her to stand facing the snapping fire on his hearth. Even the cloth of his shirt didn’t hide the uncompromising rigidity of his back and shoulder muscles. Lily looked around the shadowy room, stalling for time. If she told the truth, she knew Caleb would do something rash and probably ruin his career in the process, yet she didn’t see where she had any real choice. There was a man inside my cottage when you left. He gagged me and tied me up. Caleb whirled. What? Lily wet her lips, hating to go on, yet knowing that she must. That she would be forced to, if she refused. I tipped over a lamp, and he panicked and ran. Caleb’s gaze swept over Lily’s singed hair, her burned, soot-stained dress. My God. She started to approach him. I’m all right, Caleb. Isn’t that the important thing? He caught her shoulders in his hands. Who? he rasped. Lily closed her eyes for a moment. God knew she had no desire to protect Judd Ingram from justice, but she didn’t want Caleb dealing with him in this state of mind. I’m not going to tell you, she said gently. Decisively. Not until morning. Caleb’s jawline went taut, and his grasp tightened on her shoulders. His tone of voice was a warning. Lily … She stood her ground. Whatever our differences, Caleb Halliday, she said firmly, I love you, and I won’t see you court-martialed or hanged because of something you did in the heat of anger. He
― Linda Lael Miller,

Lily and the Major

How did it start? he asked finally, turning away from her...

- 16th June 2020 0

Why won’t you give up this silly idea of homesteading? Gertrude went on. Her tone of voice was moderate, but her blue eyes were snapping. I can’t help thinking you’re just being stubborn, Lily. Caleb is well able to provide for you, I assure you. He comes from one of the finest families in Pennsylvania—I’ve known the Hallidays a long time. Lily looked down at the floor for a moment, gathering her courage. You wouldn’t understand, she said softly. Gertrude sighed. Do sit down, she told Lily kindly, taking a chair herself. Now what is it that I would find so difficult to understand? I love Caleb very much, Lily began in a shaky voice, but I’m not the woman for him. Mrs. Tibbet raised her eyebrows. Oh? And why not? Lily leaned forward in her chair and lowered her voice to a whisper. I think I may be like my mother. How so? Mrs. Tibbet asked, smoothing her skirts. She was—she drank. And there were men. Lots of men. Oh, dear, said Mrs. Tibbet seriously. And you drink? Lily swallowed. Well—no. Then there are men. Only Caleb, Lily said quietly. But he can make me do and say the most shameful things. I’m so afraid it’s because I’m—er—hot-blooded. Mrs. Tibbet looked as though she might be trying to suppress a smile. You wouldn’t be the first girl who’d given herself to a man before marriage, Lily. It isn’t a wise course of action, but it happens often enough. Lily drew in a deep breath. I suppose the drinking would come later, she said, discounting Mrs. Tibbet’s remarks as mere kindness. And then the men. No, I’m sure I’m better off going on with my life just as I’ve planned. There was a rap at the door, and then Velvet put her head inside. Pardon, missus, but dinner’s ready, and the men say they’re going to eat without you if you don’t hurry. We’ll be there in a moment, Mrs. Tibbet answered. And tell the men that if they don’t wait, they’ll have me to deal with. Yes, ma’am, Velvet replied with a hint of laughter in her voice. The door closed with a click. Mrs. Tibbet turned back to her guest. If you were my own daughter, Lily, I would tell you the same thing. You couldn’t do better than Caleb Halliday if you searched the world over for a man. Don’t throw away a chance at real happiness—it might be the only one you get. Lily pushed herself out of her chair and went to stand at the window. From there she could see the moon rising above the roof of the house next door; it looked as though it had just squeezed out of the chimney. Sometimes I think I know what I want. I’ll decide that I want to marry Caleb and forget all about having a homestead. But then I remember what Mama was like. Lily, you’re not your mother. No, Lily agreed sadly, turning to face Mrs. Tibbet, her hands clasped in front of her. But Mama was young and happy once, and she must have thought she was in love with my father. She married him, she had his children. And then something changed, and she began to drink. Papa went away—I don’t even remember him—and the men started coming around, one after the other … Gertrude came to take Lily’s hands in her own. Things will be different for you, she said quietly. You’re strong, and so is Caleb. Oh, Lily, don’t be afraid to take a chance. At that moment the colonel thundered from the hallway that he was going to have his supper right then whether the women cared to come to the table or not, and Lily smiled. I promise I’ll think things through very carefully, Mrs. Tibbet. Don’t take too long, Gertrude answered, ushering her toward the door of the study. Fate can take the strangest twists and turns, sealing us off from someone when we least expect it. At
― Linda Lael Miller,

Lily and the Major

Why won’t you give up this silly idea of homesteading? Gertrude...

- 16th June 2020 0

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