She kept her eyes on his face. Even though he remained all but expressionless, she could see in his eyes that he was processing the news. It would be big news for anyone, but she couldn't really imagine what it was like for him to hear. She'd grown up in a big, loving family with parents who supported her. John had grown up shuffled between foster homes, the only constant a brother who wasn't related to him by blood but who was family nonetheless. The timing may not be right, but she knew she wanted a family with him, wanted children who were nurtured and loved the way she had been.

When he opened his eyes and pulled her into his arms she melted against him, wrapping her arms around him and clinging to him a little. She needed his strength right now. "I love you too," she said softly. "I love you so much..."