He smiled at the giggle. How could he not? It was such an endearing expression on her. Even if he was somewhat biased when it came to that subject. "I could never not want you. I was a fool to leave, but it was never about not wanting you. I regretted every day that I'd left you." And every day, though logic told him she would have moved on, would have to have married, he longed in some deep and unacknowledged place that she wouldn't be when he returned. That she would still care for him.
Her hand on his cheek was the nicest thing he'd felt in a long time. Since this whole thing had started. And once she'd kissed him he rested his forehead against hers, eyes closing. He was so tired. And whilst he understood the sense in what she'd said it didn't make any of this any easier. But he knew whatever happened he couldn't block her out like he had been. It was unfair on her, and no better for him.