Rawdon paused, and tilted his head a little as she considered it. He was actually glad to see her checking in with her own feelings for a moment, and that she felt she could do that. She knew he would respect her feelings on the matter. That said a lot.
He hadn't expected the next part - it hit him like a ton of bricks.
"What?" he breathed in shock, feeling like the air was being forced out of his lungs. Of course, he loved those kids, she knew he loved those kids, but that wasn't what was pressing down on his chest.
"Oh, my love. You've been all alone," he realised. "I'm so, so sorry. I'm so sorry. You know I would never leave through choice, don't you? Shit. I'm sorry you had to do that alone, that's so fucked up."