That confession didn't catch him nearly as off guard as it should have. While he had his blindspots he was an intelligent man and he could put the pieces together. The moment she informed him how she felt things clicked in his mind. Especially when she kissed him which drove home how she felt though when she pulled away he had to consider how he felt.

His hand caught her wrist and he shook his head. "Ruth, just... Wait. Come sit with me and we should talk... I... Care very deeply for you and while I do not know that I am quite ready to love again I think I am ready to try."