"I love you too," he whispers back, and smiles into the kiss. How good it feels to say that to each other. It's solidified this relationship in such an unassailable way, that Ted doesn't have a doubt in his mind that they're going to get through this.

He wraps an arm around Joan's waist, pulling her as close as he can manage, his other hand weaving into her hair as he continues to kiss her lovingly. His split lip hurts a little, but not enough for him to stop.