His eyes stayed locked with hers, and he moved to sit next to her. He wanted more time. More time to practice saying things, to know he wouldn't say something stupid or foolish or improper, to learn about courting and romance.

But there was no time. He nearly died that evening, if not for Reinette, and that would've been the end of his time, having never known if they could've...if they would've...

"I believe," he said, gently brushing his fingers along her cheek, "That I have wanted y--wanted...for a long time, now."