Malcolm wants to hear those words from this cowboy as much as the other one, even if it’s in a slightly different way. He loves Doc, but the feelings he stirs are almost paternal. Like a protective older brother. Assurances of his continued steady presence for as long as it’s needed matter to him, even if he trusts Doc’s reliability unquestioningly.

Malcolm shrugged his coat off and put it over one of the kitchen island stools. “Want some tea or coffee or something?”