"Very doubtful, but I'm very much a human being with... flaws. But I tend to be honest about them for the most part." And he relaxes when he sees just the ease on her face. "So a test run it will be." She won't be a burden. She will be a challenge, and that makes all the difference in the world.

He takes the offered hand gently and gives it a firm shake, the smile a touch warn but for the first time since Sunday, he feels hopeful.

Or maybe it's been longer than that.