He held her close. This felt nice, this felt right. This was a good step to move past the instances in his past. He had always been a romantic at heart, even after St. Cyr's daughter, but he had always been afraid of retaliation. Knowing that here, with Lydia, he could be safe and still pursue a relationship with her...it was a gift. Something he was immeasurably glad he had.
He pulled away after a few moments and moved his hands. He used one of his knuckles to tilt her face up slightly so she was looking at him. "Thank you," he said simply, giving her a smile. He looked at her for a moment, hoping to see some sign on her own face that she understood he really was thankful, and that his smile was genuine and heartfelt. As he looked at her he thought that, perhaps, now would not be a bad time for that kiss. Because the urge to kiss her had come on with a force he had not expected, even stronger than it usually was.