He didn't beat around the bush: "Dani, what do you see in our future?"
"Remains to be seen."
He looked at her. "Cute." Then he waited.
She stared at him for a minute, trying to see what he meant by that.
She said, somewhat tentatively, "Well, I see us together, if that isn't obvious."
He said, "I do, too."
She said, "Good."
They both stared at each other.
He took a deep breath and took her hands. "You know I'm talking long-term, right?"
She nodded. "I know."
He said, "As in, for the rest of my life long-term."
Her heart skipped a beat and she looked at him again. "Yes. I feel the same way."
He seemed to relax then, and said briskly, "Good. I'm going to get a cup of tea in the kitchen. Do you want any?"
She looked at him, bewildered. "No thanks."
He said, "OK, I'll be right back then." He stood to leave the room.
As he reached the door, he turned. "Dani?"
"Yes."
"You'll let me know if your stance on this changes, right?"
She couldn't resist. "You will be the first to know if my stance on tea wavers."
"You know what I mean."
"Yes, Nico. I will let you know."
"Good. So you know, that means that unless I hear otherwise, I'm operating under the assumption that you also see this relationship as a permanent one."
"Yes. I will alert you via email and notarized document."
"Great." He left.
She laughed, then smiled. She was still smiling when he returned. How on earth she ever had wondered what he was thinking as far as she was concerned?