“Thanks for that.” And he means it, the sentiment clear in his voice. It’s a little gruff and a little short, far as accepting apologies goes, but he’s also not too practiced with this. But he’s touched that she’s trying, and he’ll do his best too.

“We’re partners now, and not just in the business sense. If you’re throwin’ yourself into a somethin’ like that, I want to know. I need to know.” But she knows that already. He shifts where he sits, turning a little bit towards her.

“But there are other things I should’ve said before now. You thinkin’ I’d think less of you for this… that’s on me. I reckon I know the kind of woman you are by now, and if I wasn’t alright with the whole of you then I wouldn’t be here. And I’m no saint myself, so it ain’t about me feelin’ the way I do about you despite who you are. Because I’m no better, and you’re no worse.”

Does that make sense? He hopes it makes sense. His gaze is almost pleading and almost worried as he watches her, wishing he were better at really saying the things that matter.

“And if you didn’t know what before now, then I’m doing somethin’ wrong here.”