“Ah… I’m sorry.” He said it for the relatively light reason of bringing it up, and to release her from the obligation of discussing it. Putting his arms around her, he pressed a kiss to her forehead, trying not to entertain the sudden thought of having stolen her hope. He was glad she’d said it, though, rather than stay evasive, and hoped the warmth of his embrace might communicate that.

…along with: “Thank you for answering.”