Got it. He was offering her marriage after she graduated high school, so even though she never mentioned college, he was keeping her from it? ("I don't want to propose to her in case she wants to go to college, which she hasn't suggested.")
Well, we're interpreting the story based on our own experiences in life. Instead of just saying, "He's not my dream man," and never giving him another thought, she finds herself attracted to him for what he is. I'd give Candy the benefit of the doubt and credit her with seeing her unrealistic expectations were just that. Too many people shop for a mate the way they look for a car, with a checklist of requirements, and they ignore what their heart is telling them.