Just hearing her say that made him want to hold her even tighter. He didn't hug her too tightly, but his hands definitely pressed more presently against her back, trying to keep her close as much as hoping to comfort her.

"Don't talk like that, Mary," he murmured, his cheek pressed to hers, voice soft near her ear. "I'm here now. I'm here and I'm not leaving, that's all that matters."