It was also going to be pricey for her parents, but why mention that? In fact, she should probably stop talking altogether. She tended to babble when she was nervous, and this situation was certainly nervous-worthy. After all, the last time she’d seen Toby, she’d told him he was still in love with her. Not exactly a memory she could relive without wincing.

“You changed your dress.”

“I had to. The other one had feathers.”

“I have very fond memories of that dress. Of you in it, and of taking it off.”

She willed herself not to flush. “Yes, well, having sex after prom is kind of a tradition.”

“That was a good night.”

“It was.”

He moved a little closer. “I’ve been thinking about what you said.”

Oh? “That it’s a great menu?”

“No. What you said about me being in love with you.”

Ack! Okay, she would survive this. She was strong, and even if she didn’t feel that way at the moment, she could fake strong. She didn’t regret what she’d told him. She might have worded it differently, but she’d told the truth. If he was too stupid to see that, he was—

“You’re right.”

The soft words nearly didn’t penetrate. Then they did, and all the air rushed from her body.

“I... What?”

“I’m in love with you. I probably never stopped loving you, which would explain why I haven’t fallen for anyone else since we broke up.”

“You haven’t?”

“Not a one.” He smiled at her. “You’re so damned brave. Where does that come from? How do you have the courage to simply put it all out there? You always impress me, Reggie. I worry I can’t keep up, but I’m hoping you’ll help me be more like you.”

Her head was spinning. He was saying the most wonderful things. He was talking like they were going to be together.

“So, you want to start dating?”

“No. I don’t want to date you. I want to marry you.”

The room went totally still. The only sound was the ticking of the old grandfather clock in the dining room. Reggie felt a prickling all over her body. Not goose bumps, exactly, but definitely a reaction from her sympathetic nervous system or some other system. It was the shock of the moment, or maybe her head injury was acting up.

“I love you,” he repeated, although he could say it a million more times and she’d be fine with that. “I love you and want us to be together.” He paused. “I’m assuming you’re okay with that. Oh, and I’m a package deal.”

“Harrison and Judy. Yes, I know.”

The half smile returned. “Do you have any thoughts?”

“Yes.”