It sounds like you know where you need to go. Definitely don't smother and no hollow romance stuff... but talk about history, a little compliment once in awhile. You're right about the baby steps, but I think if you go slowly and make it real, show interest in her feelings, hopes and dreams, and share some of your own. Work towards being best friends first, and strengthening those friendship ties by spending time together, creating good memories, then a gradual real romance will follow, not some fake Hallmark stuff. You are right. I think you're doing well!
There is no arriving, ever. It is all a continual becoming.
