There Is No Other Option
Howard was in a situation where he had no choice but to be honest about his feelings for Margaret Since he discovered that she was unaware of his feelings for her, it is only reasonable that he wishes he could have told her about them in a place and under more romantic conditions; nonetheless, he did not have a choice in the matter. Either now or never.
Finally, he spoke up to Margaret about how he was really feeling, which left her speechless. That came as a surprise to her. Howard revealed to her that the day Annie phoned her was one that he had planned and scheduled for a romantic meal and romantic confession. He informed her that he did all of the planning and organization himself. Margaret was at a complete loss for words.