No i don't think you need to protect her. I think the fact she cried was an honest reaction and i'm glad she's in touch with her emotions enough to acknowledge and honour them. I think that will be a great help to you, that someone can stay honest with you and not treat you like a broken china doll and tip toe around you.

Do you think you could speak to her about how it's going to work between you, would it feel better to have a discussion about each others expectations?