The teasing helped, actually. It relaxed her, and… hearing that subtle note - that way out that she could take - gave her some amount of courage.

Still, she gave him a somewhat-amused smile. “Really? The suspense isn’t intentional, but if you say so…”

Her gaze trailed back down to her iced tea, settling there. She gave herself a moment, one breath in, one breath out. Before she allowed herself to admit the truth.

“And… a future bride, too…” Her words were partly a whisper, filled with uncertainty and… there was that blush again. As she awaited his reaction.