It Has Always Been Forever,

When I Asked My Da How Ye Knew Which Was The Right Woman, He Told Me When The Time Came, I'd Have No Doubt. And I Didn't. When I Woke In The Dark Under That Tree On The Road To Leoch, With You Sitting On My Chest, Cursing Me For Bleeding To Death, I Said To Myself 'jamie Fraser, For All Ye Canna See What She Looks Like, And For All She Weights As Much As A Good Draft Horse, This Is The Woman.

When You're Reading, You're Not Where You Are; You're In The Book. By The Same Token, I Can Write Anywhere.

He Splayed A Hand Out Over The Photographs, Trembling Fingers Not Quite Touching The Shiny Surface, And Then He Turned And Leaned Toward Me, Slowly, With The Improbable Grace Of A Tall Tree Falling. He Buried His Face In My Shoulder And Went Very Quietly And Thoroughly To Pieces.

He Touched The Rough Crucifix That Lay Against His Chest And Whispered To The Moving Air, "lord, That She Might Be Safe, She And My Children." Then Turned His Cheek To Her Reaching Hand And Touched Her Throught The Veils Of Time.

He Gave You To Me," She Said, So Low I Could Hardly Hear Her. "now I Have To Give You Back To Him, Mama.