He smiled. "You wanted me to think about some things, and I have."

"X, you don't"

"Yes, I do. If only to assuage any doubts you have left." He pulled a deep breath and faced her. "Standing right over there is your family. Blood doesn't always play a part. They love you as much as you love them, and not out of obligation. You have never been an obligation to me, either."

His throat worked a swallow. "I want to extend our family someday with our own kids. Yes, ...