"Well...I thought, maybe, I could try to win you back. You know...it'd be your decision. But I would win because, well, you like me!" he said with a cheeky, but sad, smile.
"You know me, Zo. I'm stubborn. I'm not just going to let you go. Not that you're mine, but that when you love something you fight for it. And I love you more than I've ever loved anything. More than flying," he said, and that was saying something. But had there been any doubt?
"But...I know Jesse's a good guy. He let me beat him up. Didn't hold any grudges as far as I know. And suddenly, just a few minutes ago, it occurred to me that I might not actually win. And that's...really bothersome. Because...I still love you more than anything and you're--you moved on...from me. Not-I know it wasn't your fault. You needed to. But, I'm still married to you," he said.
He opened his mouth to speak again but then shut it.
Finally he said, softly, "I haven't been well here. And I don't know what to do."
He looked down at the steps again, his right hand on the railing and his left resting lightly on Zoe's shoulder.