[Her use of his name has the hammer pausing mid-strike. The last time she used it was in stark anger and yet this time, somehow, cuts deeper.]
[Even then, when in his selfish, bitter haze he'd have thought cutting her off would be so easy, he couldn't manage it. Now that it's clear to him how much he needs her, how could he possibly...]
[Well. He knows how, if he's man enough to admit it: because it's best for her. If it's best for her. But guilt is just as much of a cop-out as his childish demands that she give up her principles for the sake of his heart.]
[Impossible to decide without her input, but it's what she's asking of him. Putting it back on her would only make things worse, and he's had his fill of worse with her. It's time to finally do what's right. If only he could see through his own dizzying feelings and decide what that is.]
You'll have my answer within three days. [It's another delay, but one he needs, if he's to make this choice for the right reasons. His voice, soft but firm, should tell her that he's giving his word that this is the last time he'll put her off.]