He closed his eyes and kissed her, back; voice gone but lips forming the words too: I love you.

His weight still on one arm beside her; he turned just enough to drape his other arm over her chest, and let his head fall to the pillow beside hers, touching her cheek with his profile. Just enough of their chests pressed together for each to feel the other's heart.

(Another pulse still beat lower down, but he didn't seem intent to do anything about it.)