I know. [Another almost-smile, which turns compassionate again as she continues. It's quite probable that he of al the people here understands how hard it can be to say 'I love you'.
He reaches out to cover her hand with his own.] If there's anything I've learned about Chekov over the past twenty years, it's that he's patient. Wait. Take your time. I'm pretty sure he'll still be there when you're ready to say it.
[So much easier to give advice about other people's relationships!]