She was kind, and he nodded graciously in turn before looking back to the stars.

"I've found, over the years," he held his mug, letting his eyes pass from star to star, "... that having little ones doesn't necessarily make a parent."

Finally, he gave a heh, and a smile as he turned to look at her. His offhand moved up to tap a fingertip on his chest, just above his heart.

"It's what's in here."