He's watching her with surprise -- pleased surprise, but clear surprise all the same. He has waited for... how long now? He has not been tracking time; he didn't want to become impatient, and in some ways it didn't matter so much whether Susan ever professed love for him. He knows how he feels about her, and he knows how they are together, and both of those are good. She treats him well, she likes his company, they are compatible and careful with one another and regardless of naming, their connection is strong. He knows all of this and he has never doubted it.

But he also hadn't quite accounted for how he would feel upon hearing it from her. He's struck by the bloom of warmth he feels, the sudden buoyant elation, the way he suddenly feels he own love for her even more fiercely. It's been a long while since he had reason to feel that, or even to recall that feeling. It is wonderful in the most literal sense.

All of this plays across his face in a flash, but the smile is solid. He takes a breath and starts to speak but then stops himself.