He smiled back, warm and reassuring. Rory sensed Pippa's hesitation, if not all the reasons behind it, and didn't push. Words alone couldn't prove that he would be there for her; only time could do that. Time and patience.

Resting his lips against Pippa's forehead, Rory stayed curled around her, prepared to stay there all day if needed. Softly he breathed the Gaeilge words against her skin, Is tú mo ghrá. I love you.