He winced as she spoke. The thought of her with anyone else made him flinch a little, as it had with Richard, but he sighed softly and leaned close, arms encircling her.
"I love you, Lois, and I am here now, with you. Whatever has happened in the past, that is the truth. You are here, with me, and I love you."
He stroked her back softly.
"You were alone, and you had no obligation to me at all, and you need no forgiveness from me."