I'm (35M) dating a widow (35F), would love some perspective and advice on our relationship dynamics.

I’m 35M and very recently started dating a 35F widow whom I’ve known for a few years. I’m very happy about it and since it's a delicate situation, I want to handle it with much maturity. I'd really appreciate some perspective and advice from y'all.

backstory:

We were colleagues for about 4 years and became good friends during that time. Our relationship was always purely platonic, although we had strong compatibility and enjoyed each other's company a lot. I started developing feelings for her last year but I kept them to myself because of all the odds around. Also, I didn't want to find my honey where I make money, so I kind of always ignored my feelings and let them be.

She lost her husband in a car accident 4 years ago when her daughter was barely a year old. Since then, she’s been a single mother to her. Meanwhile, I was in a long-term relationship that ended 3 years ago, and I’ve been single by choice since then.

She switched job this year and we are in touch and still good friends. I get along with her daughter well too and I feel she trusts me enough for that coz I've picked up and dropped her daughter home from pre-school several times and she invites me for her daughter's birthday celebrations along with other friends( others have kids while I don't). Ik all these don't make sense but I'm just conveying that I've a good relationship with them.

I always ignored my feelings towards her but knew she is looking to move on as I remember her once mentioning that if she finds someone she would be open to moving forward in life.

So, I finally mustered some courage and ASKED HER OUT, she was surprised and bit hesitant so she asked me to wait for 2 days , which was the longest wait hehe but she eventually said yes! and that she would like to see where it goes.

It’s only been about 5 days since we started dating, and we’ve already gone on two lovely dates. I'm loving this feeling, we're talking a lot more, holding hands, and just enjoying this time. It’s very early to say anything but we will figure it out together.

Now, I genuinely want to make this work. I know there may be hesitations from her side, especially regarding her daughter and I want to come as trustworthy and not just as a boyfriend but I'm seeing this as a future marriage so I want to be great step dad too. I know I can't fulfill void of biological father but I can try my best at least.

So I need some advice on the following:

What should I be mindful of while dating someone who’s been through widowhood?

How can I build trust with both her and her daughter over time?

Any red flags or patterns to avoid?

How do I balance giving her space while still showing up consistently and sincerely?

I’m honestly gushing just being able to call her my girlfriend 😅 and I don’t want to mess this up.