"I know." He whispered, into her hair. "I know, baby."
He held her close for another moment, hand splayed wide and protective over her belly.
"I love you, too." He sighed and leaned back as if to study her. If even she didn't want to marry him, she was still the person he loved the most in the world, outside of his blood family. He loved her, and their little family. "Is there anything I can get you? Are you hungry? We could get some lunch. Anything you want."
His protective streak kicked in like a flame from lighter and he was back to hovering and looming.