[He saw her twitch, but he only pulled his hand back when she stopped talking. For a moment, he wasn't sure what to say, but he finally just straightened his back and looked her in the eye. She might be stubborn, but he was more than capable of being stubborn as well.]

I intend to. First will be steps with those I haven't wronged, and then the steps with those I have. Or in your case, perhaps some I have first.

[And then he tried a smile himself, because being miserable never helped anything. Really, really never helped anything.]