"I know. Tommy is like a son to me."
Nothing could be more straightforward than that!
Obviously, Andrew did not want to wait any longer. He didn't want to wait until after Tommy's surgery to settle things!
For him, there was no difference between before and after the surgery. He would always be by her side, always with her, encouraging Tommy and helping them through the hard times!
He took a step forward, blocking her before the rockery: "Emma, you've always known, that I actually, feel for you..."
Suddenly she couldn't speak, shaking her head: "I... Andrew, I really... I don't deserve you."
"Don't say that." he shook his head. "Everyone has a past, and Tommy... he is adorable, he won't be an obstacle between you and me."
If not him, then surely Robert Thomson always would be!
She shook her head anxiously: "That's not what I mean, I mean... I am grateful for all you've done for Tommy, and I want to repay you. I..."