"I know," he assured her just as quietly, giving her shoulder a gently squeeze. "But still... thank you. For everything." He had to tell her, at least once, though he knew she would have done it without thanks, just like he would have done for her had their positions been reversed. They'd both had it hard, but they'd leaned on each other, and they were going to make it through this. Already he felt lighter just thinking that maybe the hardest part was really over.

Of course, his mind definitely came to rest in the present when she said she'd manage - he shook his head, doing a bit of an elaborate contortion-like dance but managed to get his jacket off without stopping walking or setting the basket down. He moved to drape it over her shoulders, saying with a teasing smile, "Managing is not acceptable. I want you to be absolutely perfect."