[open]
Pepper knew Tony's tells better than he did, probably. She caught on to the edginess creeping in. That had no place here. Why it was peeking out anyway meant he was nervous about something. Ginger brows came down even while that smile stayed on her face for appearance sake.
"Hey," she said. Her tone was conversational quiet, but it held a sharpness to get his attention. And if that didn't help, her hand found his cheek. A small amount of pressure made him look at her and she rewarded him with a very thorough kiss that any observers would expect from an engaged couple. The real intention was to calm him down.
"A year ago. Ten years ago. It wasn't time." Her eyes were warm as she looked into his, letting him see her love for him there. "Only two more months, and this party will look like a pony ride."