A faint huff that tried to be a laugh but didn't really come close slipped out as Rory shifted to rubbing the back of his neck. "I think that would be all of the above."

His eyes shifted toward the hallway leading to Pippa's bedroom. "Part of the time she seems determined to push even me away. In my head I know why, but--" He winced at the sudden crack in his voice. "--I feel so helpless."