Such a great story -- one of those I know I'll be rereading many a time to come. And this:
He knew she wasn't strong all the time - and she knew that he was.
That line is perfect. Technically, it may be wrong on both counts, but it HAS to be that way because it's how Lois is feeling at the moment. It's just beautiful.
I'd love to see this go somewhere, but it's great as is, too.