"You can't love things... and I... I don't love them. I care and worry, yes, but..."

Loving was frightening.

She didn't want to love anyone.

"You sound like Strength. She suggested that I was becoming maternal. How can anyone be maternal when they never had a mother to learn from? No. Best to keep it friendly and professional."

But it had already gone way beyond professional with the boys. She had interceded on their behalf, promised them protection against one of her own. You didn't do that just on a whim.

Then there was Indy.

She needed him. She liked his smile. She liked waking up in bed beside him. She felt safe when he was around, and she felt like she was simply... a girl... when he looked at her and kissed her.

But... that wasn't love.