Padma's dark eyes grew larger and larger as Stephen spoke. Her heart, it appeared, had stopped beating all together. Yes, of course that was illogical and since she was still alive her heart was obviously beating, but it felt as though it had stilled in her chest and Padma was certain that, despite knowing better, all the air had vanished from her lungs as well.
Stephen didn't have to ask. Padma wasn't the type of girl to get serious with someone unless she was certain they were going to be together forever. And she wouldn't have stood up to her parents unless she was certain Stephen was worth it. He must have known these things, but he still asked.
Not one to really believe in romance, Padma decided she hadn't given it a proper chance. Her cheeks flushed and she reached down to pull Stephen to his feet. Everything he had said had been so overwhelming that she couldn't think or form words. "I.." Padma swallowed against the lump in her throat. That had been the most beautiful and wonderful speech she ever heard. There was no way of stopping the tears that started to roll down her cheeks and Padma laughed warmly.
"I love you," she managed to get out. "So much. Of course I'll marry you."