"That's the biggest bunch of hogwash I've heard today, if not this week," she groused. "What do you even mean? Just 'cuz you're going from town to proverbial town like you were a guy with a big, green secret inside of you doesn't mean you're not 'suited' for a family. Just means you don't think you deserve one."

And Isabel scoffed at that. "Even knowing you have people who care about you, somewhere--even if they're not where you are, even if you can't be with them--that can give you strength. I ought to know, I'm living it right now!"