"Definitely not in front of the kittens." He continues petting for several moments before he reaches up to hold Nate's hand.

"No one's ever come when I needed them before. So many times in my life I've needed and I've been alone. But you, you came through. You love me and you came through. I could only dream of it before." He takes a shaky breath. "I was so scared, I couldn't see a way out, and then you were there. You didn't have to prove yourself to me, but Maker, there's no stronger proof of love."