"Too long," he agrees through the rush of something he can't quite place when she returns his sentiment. It's not as if he hadn't already known and thinks she must have, too, but it's still different to hear the words spoken aloud, to know for certain she loves him like he does her. What he feels is some combination of relief and gratitude and affection, all of it so strong he knows he hasn't felt anything like it in a very long time.

Not since Jessica. But he isn't going to make the same mistakes this time, he isn't going to take Karen's presence for granted or think he can save the world without having something to live for.

"Let me talk to the officer in charge," he says, then kisses her again, longer this time, lingering. "I'm sure they'll let us give our statements tomorrow if I tell them I need to see a doctor. I'll be right back."