[Somehow, miracle of miracles, he resists throwing both hands up in the air. That particular breaking limit has not yet been reached.]

I wouldn't be any damn good to ya as a blubberin' mess, that's why! [And yet tears are welling up again anyway, already on the brink of falling. Blame her bringing up that deeply unsettling possibility.] And of course I'm gonna help ya if it comes to that! What, d'you think I'd turn my back on ya or something?!