) We had looked
through a few jewelry stores and such and talked about getting married but
I never got deep into discussion because I didn't want to blow the
surprise and let her know that I was looking at rings more seriously than
she realized.
After deciding on a store to help me I chose to have the ring custom made
and have the several stones brought in from the east coast because I
didn't like what they had in the store on display. This was tough because
I had to stay in communication with the store without her knowing and was
afraid that they would call and give it away. In the meantime, every time
I passed a jewelry store I signed up for the brochures to be sent in the
mail under the pretense that "before long" I was going to start looking
more seriously. The store was great and never made a mistake. After the
ring was custom built (tough time for me...I was already excited...wanted
to see the ring and more excited for her to see it. :) ) Finally they
had it
completed and I picked it up October 8th.
Next step had to have been the hardest one. I am old fashioned, and one of
my beliefs is that if I am going to marry someone I am going to get along
with her parents and family. So, I was over at her parents house on
Friday the 10th...I had been working on their computer (I am a computer
and networking specialist). We had dinner and were watching a movie...I
just couldn't come up with a way to breach the subject, but of course I
had the ring in my sweating hand and was trying to think of something. I
told them that I should probably look at getting home soon so I was there
when Amy showed up and could have something ready for her to eat. Her mom
said,"Well, we have plenty left, have her come over and she can have some
of it!" I said ok and call Amy to let her know. After I hung up the
phone I waited about 30 seconds (my heart is going about 190 beats per
minute at this point) and said,"Well, if she is going to be here soon I
have something I would like to talk to you two about." That got their
attention pretty quick. I continued,"I would like to give your daughter
this...." At that point I pulled out the ring and opened the box.
Completely silence for a few seconds (a long couple of seconds, mind you)
and then Gail, Amy's mom, asked to see the ring. She was just smiling as
she handed it over to Dick, Amy's dad. They both asked if I thought I was
ready and I told them yes. Then after a smile and a mirthful yet serious
look at each other, I think they were enjoying watching me swirm *g*,
Gail said yes and Amy's dad said,"You got mine!" Afterward I told them
that Amy didn't have a clue that I had the ring and to keep it secret
until I asked her. We then joked a little about how hard it was to ask
them. Shortly after, Amy showed and had dinner. Next part was just to
find the right time.
Amy was working swing shift and I was on days so it made it more
difficult to find time to spend together and almost impossible to find a
moment that was right. I decided that I would forego the dinner thing
since it is so typical and catch her completely off guard. (Besides, I was
going crazy with the ring hidden away because I wanted her to be wearing
it, after all, that is why we get them right!)
Amy came home from swing shift on Saturday October 11th. She was tired
and had actually just pulled a double shift, however, I just couldn't
wait. I had waited for hours, finding a place to hide the ring where I
could get to it, finally deciding to put the box under a couch cushion
next to where I was sitting. The plan was to get her
to play a game of Clue. She was uninterested at first saying, "How about
a different game?" I thought that I was going to miss the opportunity
and I guess it showed on my face because she relented and told me that
Clue would be fine.
Now shortly into the first game, she solves. Oops, way too quick...I
wasn't built up to it yet and was having a tough time concentrating on the
game anyway. I needed to win in order for the line I had thought up to
work. We played a second game. Unfortunately, she once again got close to
solving (figures I would pick a game that she was so good at). With some
quick thinking, I changed what I was going to say so it
would work even if she solved. When she made her guess, (I don't even
remember what it was...I was too nervous!) I told her she was wrong...she
made this crinkled up face like I had cheated (*g* Of course she had the
answer right) and I dropped to a knee and said, "Nope, I believe it is Jim
in the Living Room with the Diamond Ring." At first she looked confused,
then she noticed the ring and realized what I had said. Amy's mouth
dropped open and her eyes got so big and all she could say was, "Oh my
god!" over and over! She said "yes" in between a few of the "oh, my
gods" but I was so nervous I didn't hear and said,"Well, is that a yes?"
She got kind of teary eyed and said,"Yes! I already said yes!" After a
big hug and kiss I went and cracked open a
bottle of champagne that I had bought for the right moment (had to hide
that in the refrigerator behind a few things) and we toasted our new lives
together.
Since that time, I can't say that I have ever been happier. I wake up in
the morning thinking about her and she is my last thought before I go to
sleep. She has truely completed my life and I could never give her enough
to pay her back for the joy I feel now that we have found each other. Of
course, that won't stop me from trying!
--Jim
