Moonspear i was hopelessly behind on reductions and meringues.

From her words came the retrospection of his theory. Rannoch braced himself for the disappointment that he believed would ensue. By the time that Liffey's words tarried, tears had begun to pool in his eyes. 

Although there was so much he wanted to say, Rannoch remained silent. His mouth had become dry, and a lump had formed in his throat; his grief had physically hindered his ability to say anything at that moment.