Beaut gives voice to their shared frustration with a loud harrumph. Could be she's contributing; could be she just had a bee up her nose.

Kate's grip slackens fractionally.

"Tommy—"

She doesn't know what to say. There's so many ways the next three seconds could go. Each humor hovers over her head, ready and waiting for her to snatch one, pick a trail, plow ahead. But she doesn't know where to reach.

Stepping forward, she rests her forehead against his breast.

"I need you."

To listen. To be on my side. To be smart. To be here.