Friday night we had plans to go out to dinner. A nice dinner. My girlfriend is an accountant and here in the US, the tax season just ended. So her 12-14 hour days dropped to checking messages on her office phone a couple times a day. As for me, I am managing the family business these days and make my own schedule so I planned this week to be very light.
So Friday evening arrived and we got a bit dressed up. For her, that meant a nice summer dress with her hair up in braids pinned to her head (I LOVE that look on her). For me, it meant nice comfortable summer cotton pants and a coordinated top. Off to the restaurant we went.
The restaurant ... okay, envision cloth table cloths and napkins ... a fire in the fireplace, host & servers in black with white shirts and ties. We sat at a corner table and started with a appetizer plate of Bruschetta and two glasses of Chardonnay.
Alex seemed to be smiling more than usual all day on Friday and into dinner. Something was up. We've known each other for sixteen years and dated off and on since we were 18. So we know each other and I knew something was up. But we moved on to dinner...
I had the baked haddock with twice-baked potatoes and sauteed spinach; Alex had the baked sea scallops with broccoli and asparagus.
Baked Haddock
Baked Sea Scallops
As we finished our entrees, Alex reached for my hand and looked at me. I said, "Oh finally! I knew something was up all day!"
"Oh shush you! I have something to say."
I drew my closed fingers of my free hand across my lips as if to zip them shut and just returned her gaze. It took her a bit to get around to her point as she recapped our years together and how we were made for each other in so many ways and then ... yup ... SHE PROPOSED!!!
If you were around and following my randomness two years ago when she broached the subject of moving in together, then you will recall that I mentally tortured myself over the concept of giving up my freedom and privacy, etc. But we did and it has been amazing. On Friday night, thank goodness, I answered quickly from my heart and said "Yes!" Had I taken the time to let my head get involved in my answer it would've been months before I got back to her.
On Saturday we went completely quiet to the world, unplugged entirely, and took my boat out for the first time this season. It was in the low seventies out on the water (22-23 C) with a sunny sky and puffy white clouds rolling on through. We weren't really heading anywhere in particular and just sailed in long straight lines as we sat at the helm holding each other and talking.
Not my boat, but similar view all day
Sunday brought the Easter holiday and we started the day by attending Mass followed by visits to our two families to celebrate Easter and share the news. They were expecting us, of course, for the holiday but the news sort of dominated the day at both homes.
We went to see her family first at noontime as they are more structured around the concept of a midday meal. Her mom, who when we were children always thought Alex and I should spend more time together (Alex hung with the "wrong crowd in high school") then thought I was the devil's spawn when we were caught holding hands walking up their front walk and finally over time grew to love me again, well her mom was just over the top excited to hear the news. Nothing else was discussed at lunch other than our plans (of which we had almost none). We swore her mom to secrecy until at least that evening so we could get to my parent's house and share the news there (her mom and my mom have gotten to know each other quite well).
So we arrived at my parent's house around 15:30 (3:30pm) and since there wasn't a formal meal planned we just all gathered in the family room. Alex and I had previously agreed that she would tell her family and I would tell my family. Well there we are all talking and sharing and Alex keeps looking at me. Finally mom says to me, "She obviously wants you to do or say something!"
So I did. And my mom's response?? "Well it's about time!" Lol, we were there a couple more hours and just like at her parent's house, our pending nuptials were the only thing discussed from that point forward.
Both mom's are envisioning something far bigger and grander than either of us want. We are looking for something simple, small, intimate. They are mentally figuring how many hundreds can fit in each of the local banquet halls. 🙄 We will compromise I'm sure.
So, each time from this point forward that you see me refer to her as my girlfriend, you need to correct me. Alex is now my fiancé and that will take some getting used to!
@sarabee1995 When is the big day? Your fiancé is a romantic. Flowers, dresses, rings, shoes... It will all happen, and it's all crucial to her. All that made my head spin when I was doing it.
@TexChik We haven't even discussed a date yet, but I don't want a long open ended engagement. To me, the purpose of an engagement is just to plan and execute the wedding. 😁
I read this half an hour ago and I’ve been trying to find the perfect way to answer this. But all I can say is I’m so happy for you both and so proud that you answered with your heart and didn’t torture yourself (and her) by overthinking it.
@Straylight Thanks Stray! Very much not my normal way of responding to big questions, but it just leaped out of my mouth and I was instantly so happy (and have been since!)
@Soossie Thank you so much Soossie! I really appreciate you saying that. I don't think I'm even close to the best people here, but I do try to do the right things in life. 🫂
@SunshineGirl Oh we agree. Alex and I want those people who are in our lives on a daily basis. The distant ralatives can track the affair on Facebook. 🤣
Wow, I am really happy for you. What great piece of news for us. I am sure that you and Alex are going to make such a nice couple in the future. You deserve only the best and it seems that Alex just ticks all the right boxes.
@sarabee1995 With one E it's masculine. But then again, it occurs to me now that I haven't consulted an American dictionary, so perhaps we were both right in our respective places on opposite sides of the pond. It doesn't really matter, it's just that some such things jump out at me!
