In this passage from "Voyager" by Diana Gabaldon, there is an intimate exchange between two characters, emphasizing deep emotions and connection. One character expresses profound affection, indicating that the other means more to him than anything else, showing a sense of urgency and vulnerability. The whispering adds a layer of intimacy to the moment, highlighting their closeness.

The response is tender, where she kisses him gently, taking in his warmth and strength. This act conveys a mix of emotions, including love, longing, and sorrow, captured through the sensory details of the kiss, which is infused with the taste of tears. The scene reflects a complex bond filled with both hope and heartache.