They could have easily continued on in this vein of irrelevant conversation for some time, and Grady was tempted to do so; he was sure that Emmeline wouldn't be all that disappointed either. But he couldn't do that. Turning, he took one of her slender hands between his, his thumbs tracing lightly over the hint of veins along the back before he looked up and sought her eyes.

"Emme?" His voice was low. Soft. "Emme, I'm sorry. I honestly can't imagine what you're going through, but I'm sorry."

The skin between his brow wrinkled as he watched her, his hands still holding her one; his concern growing they sat in silence.

"Anything you need...I'm here. You have me, Emme."