His arms tightened around her, an unconscious reflex at the mention of not having him in her life. He honestly didn't know how he would have reacted if she'd said no. Just the thought of it caused a great deal of pain, and it would be that much more intense if it had actually happened.

"I love you," he murmured against her hair, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. "Let's get out of the kitchen." He wanted to hold her, and he couldn't do that as effectively when they were standing up.