He nodded to her reply. It didn't make him feel inadequate like he feared, but it did spell out how different this really was for both of them.

"I'm sorry. I know I must make you nuts, worryin' like I do. I just... I ain't ever had a girl who didn't need me like you don't. I don't make you feel safe, or provide anything, you can protect and fend for yourself. You're handier in a lot of things than I am, an' you don't seem to like it when I'm too much of a gentlemen. All that leaves me is worryin', which I know you don't like either, but it's honestly somethin' I can't help."

And he worried about everything, including the thought that she'd come to the realization and decide he really was useless to her.

"I been tryin' my best not to smother you with it. I just hope you'll keep puttin' up with me through those times when I fail at it." Like today.