His gaze doesn't stray, but he gives her the time to wipe at her tears. Then he dares to loosen the rest of his grip so he can bring his other hand up and cup her face between them.

"My wife needs me," he corrects with warmth.

"There are other who can handle the field. Only I can handle her."

There's a sense of resolve that he isn't willing to let her find comfort elsewhere any more than she is with the idea of him doing it. Sweeney isn't going to entrust her heart (or her sex) to someone else, just because he's busy with other matters.

"I'm gonna be here, with you." He shakes his head slightly, but his eyes remain fixed.

"'nless the army's on the cusp of fallin', I'm needed here far more."