The Proposal
June 22, 2023
When Nathan invited me to date night two weeks prior to our flight to Europe, I hadn't thought anything of it. I knew a proposal was coming (Nathan had promised an overwhelming scene, with lasers, smoke, and celebrity appearances) but was sure he would wait until we were in Paris, as we had originally planned on visiting. ​
Bear in mind that I had been preparing myself for months. We'd pranked my parents with a fake Disney proposal and even joked that the wedding might end up coming before the proposal.
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Still, I told my sister the night prior that I thought it might happen. "And you haven't gotten a manicure?" Jordan asked. I told her that it was definitely, probably not happening. But it could.
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So, I took her through my closet, letting her complain about the state of it and reject several options until she landed on a skirt that effectively complemented the boots she talked me into buying (she was right). The long-sleeve shirt I chose was "fine.
Nathan hadn't told me where we were going, but date nights were often surprises. When he hit the up button on the elevator, I furrowed my brow. "Where are we going?" An adept liar, he responded easily: "I hired a hibachi chef to make us dinner on the roof." I looked at my nails disdainfully.
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When Nathan opened the door, I saw Brett in a suit hiding behind a pole. He was smiling, holding a speaker and pointing his phone at us.
I almost laughed, but then I heard the familiar strumming of a harp.
Happiness hit her like a train on a track.
The most joyful song from my favorite band, Florence + The Machine emanated from the speakers.
Nathan took me by the hand and walked me through a gallery of frames. Each one had a future memory.
Our Honeymoon.
Our First Child.
Our Third Dog.
"Our 50th Anniversary" gave me the chills.
Nestled in a bush of Baby's Breath, the final frame featured a doodle of rings and the words "Our Engagement." Smiling, I pulled Nathan in for a kiss.
He took my hand, knelt to the ground, and let out a breath he must've been holding since we left the elevator.
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Then, he took a little wooden box out of his pocket. I said yes before he could ask the question.
We popped a bottle of champagne and ordered a pizza to celebrate.
We're so grateful to Jordan, Brett, and Liora for making this day perfect.
