He considered himself a very patient man. His brother had once declared that he intended to be Caroline's last love however long it took. His own sentiments were the same towards her.
He had never come out and said it, but the promise of 'Always and Forever' had been hers. He liked to think a part of her knew it, and that she had been aware since his letter all those years before.
For years he had thought himself a fool for his silent declaration because she could obviously never forgive him for the things he had done: his part in the ritual, leaving her underground with his sister, and inadvertently turning her and leaving her with them.
She could never forgive him… but then she did.
She forgave it all and only asked that he return the sentiment; which he assured her she had. He had never been able to remain angry with her.
Granted that assurance came much later. They didn't actually say anything for the first twenty-four hours beyond each other's names.