You don't need to come all over Betan on me-- you know what I mean. I do have a claim on Miles, in that I feel very... sure. God, I'd have to be blind, deaf and dumb to not feel sure of Miles when we've been living in each others' pockets for months.

But Kitty... I know she wavers about how long she will be with us, even if she somehow comes to Barrayar when we go. [ He swallows. ] I've never had to face that. I've never had anyone to face that.