"We all need it from time to time, colleen," he reminded her. "Especially us men. Your brother just hasn't figured out what you have yet. And I don't envy you trying to get it through his thick head when you explain where you've been all this time. But I'm certain you can handle him when you do."
Becky's understanding of what he had expressed made him smile. "Yes, well, it just shows what a sensible girl you are," he assured her. Then Cathair stopped and shook his head at himself. "Sensible woman. Sorry. It's a habit. You're hardly a girl anymore. In any sense of the word." The maturity and compassion she was showing the memories of both their deceased spouses showed that much.
He chuckled at her sweet, understanding reply. She was always like that, willing to take in account other's feelings. He pressed her hands to his lips again. "Well, all of my experience is at your disposal," he assured her. "It's more than a fair exchange for all the cooking help you've given me."