Christ, he thought to himself, but she couldn't bear to lose him? It took grave self-control not to break out into an idiot grin. He repeatedly internalized what he'd once spoken aloud to Harper: a soldier should not suffer himself to smile so easily. And that had been over the announcement of his daughter's birth; if a man should feel foolish smiling over that, then this was also a time for stoicism. Gentle stoicism, though. Warm and energized with a young love.

"Speak your mind, Faith. I'll not hold it 'gainst you."