[He responds to that smile before he even knows what it is he's responding to, before the words have time to permeate. It grounds his feet, gently presses the tension out of his shoulders, loosens the muscles around his eyes. Before he knows it, he's smiling, too, at first wondering like a child, and then bright and delighted and irrepressible.]

Yes.

[Yes to all of it. Yes to her. Biting his smile a little, eyes crinkling behind his sunglasses, he lifts her hands up to hide his face behind them, peeking at her over her ring.]

Christ, Meridiana, I love you... [So much, he could eat a dictionary and never have the words. He ducks behind her hands completely, then kisses her fingers, lets go so he can brush her hair back again and kiss her forehead.] I love you.

[He touches his forehead to hers a moment, lets the understanding between them settle and grow roots all around, keep them safe. When he feels it, he kisses her softly, gratefully.

Whatever--wherever--they build, it'll take something of him and something of her. Covalent bonds: that's something in science, isn't it?

'Besides, it needn't be a waltz just like I remember. One that's half mine and half yours would suit just as well...don't you think?'

'Well. Maybe three fourths yours and a quarter mine till we establish I know what I'm doing a little.'

He keeps smiling, feeling right--in place, safe, loved--all the way down to his toes.]

If you wanted to get married this literal second I probably wouldn't say no.