Frederic frowned slightly when Karen suddenly pulled back. There was something in her gaze that told him she was overwhelmed by everything that was happening between them. As she looked into his eyes, he felt his heart sink. Was she about to change her mind? He shouldn't have asked like that, so soon. His breathing unconsciously synched with hers and he wondered with mixed dread and love what she was thinking. He hadn't exactly meant to propose, in truth, but now that she'd agreed, he realized he wanted to do it properly- buy a ring, get down on one knee, the whole shebang. And he intended to, soon- but considering how overcome with her thoughts Karen looked at the moment, he was starting to think he'd have to put that idea to the side, either indefinitely or, in a worst-case scenario, forever.