Tom Schwartz Shares a "Groundbreaking" Update on His Relationship with Katie Flood

Tom Schwartz and Katie Flood's romance has long been heating up on Winter House Season 3, but that all came crashing down when the Vanderpump Rules cast member had to depart the Steamboat Springs, Colorado cabin and return to LA to film the show's Season 10 reunion.

Or did it? Perhaps not, because Tom made his return to Winter House on Season 3, Episode 8, which aired December 12, and reunited with not just Katie, but also Amanda Batula, Kyle Cooke, and Danielle Olivera of Summer House; Alex Propson and Malia White of the Below Deck franchise, Kory Keefer of Winter House; Jordan Emanuel of Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard, Brian Benni of Family Karma, and Casey Craig.

See how Katie reacted to his return and what "groundbreaking" development she and Tom made in their relationship by scrolling below.

How Katie Flood Felt About Tom Schwartz Being Back in the Winter House

Malia and Brian checked in with Katie shortly after Tom's return, with the latter cast member asking her, "Have you guys flirted a little yet?"

"I've barely spoken to him," Katie responded. "He's got enough sh-t going on. He doesn't need some crazy Kiwi."

Brian, however, argued that that's "exactly" what Tom needed.

Tom Schwartz and Katie Flood in Colorado, during Winter House Season 3. Photo: Bravo

Tom Schwartz's Thoughts on His Romance with Katie Flood

Tom, meanwhile, turned to Alex to talk about Katie — err, "Floody," as he quickly corrected Alex, not wanting to be reminded of his ex-wife Katie Maloney.

"But now that a lot of that's behind you a little bit more, maybe let your hair down," Alex said of the drama involving Katie and the rest of Tom's Vanderpump Rules castmates, seeing as how the reunion was now over and done with.

"It does feel like it's behind me," Tom responded — but with a caveat: "I'm kind of old and washed up."

Tom Schwartz Reveals Where He Stands with Katie Flood Today and How Katie Maloney Feels About the Romance

What's more, Tom added in a confessional interview, "I don't wanna force things, you know? Can't force the Schwartz. I was making progress, being in the moment, but now I feel like I'm f-cking up again."

Tom Schwartz's and Katie Flood's Sweet Moment on Winter House 

Fast-forward to the group's dinner later that evening, when Katie decided to deliver a heartfelt toast to her roommates: "I want to say something positive. I genuinely have connected with all of you, and from here onwards, I have every single person in this house's back."

Tom went to respond, but instead of calling her "Floody," he used her first name.

The cast of winter house, Kyle Cooke, Amanda Batula, Malia White, Katie Flood, Jordan Emanuel, Kory Keefer, Sam Feher, Brian Benni, and Tom Schwartz during dinner on Winter House Season 3. Photo: Bravo

"Did you just call me Katie?!" she replied, causing Tom to blush and the rest of the table to break it in applause as the Winter House-mates shouted things like "groundbreaking!" and "Yell it at the top of your lungs!"

Suffice to say, things are moving in the right direction.