The Proposal

As my blog started on Day 10, I have some catching up to do!

So Arthur and I had so much fun on our first vacation together last October, we couldn't wait to plan the next one. While our 15 day roadtrip down the Pacific coast was amazing, it took some extensive planning, and I knew that I would not have nearly as much fun researching during my tax busy season. Neither of us had ever been on a cruise so a trip to the Caribbean seemed like the perfect way to unwind after a cold winter and busy work time. Now Arthur and I had discussed how well we clicked and how sometimes it seemed like we had known each other for a lifetime, so I think we both pretty much assumed that we would marry each other when the time was right. Arthur had asked me my ring preferences a few times, and I had told him that he better not think about proposing without asking my father, so the stage was definitely set. As the cruise got closer the possibility of a proposal crossed my mind, but Arthur had just bought his condo and we had both been so busy at work and he hadn't dropped any hints lately that I dismissed the thought. Plus the whole proposal on vacation seemed too obvious. So off we went to Florida.

We spent the first day in Fort Lauderdale relaxing and transitioning into vacation mode. Little did I know that there was a rock hidden in Arthur's camera case or that he had very stealthily talked to my dad when we were in Manchester for Easter. Side note - I'm pretty sure my dad asked me the next day which one of my friends I thought would get married next. I know I answered me. Quite the poker face. Anyways, the next day we boarded the Crown Princess and began exploring. After a fun day I wanted to go to the ship's "movie under the stars". Arthur suggested that we take a late night walk afterwards, which I thought was great. When we first started dating we frequently took walks together and I thought it would be romantic and sweet. We went to the movie, the ring was in Arthur's pocket, but "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" just didn't do it for me, and I fell asleep. No proposal that night.

Sunday, April 25th. Our first day at sea. Thinking back on it now, I can barely remember how the day went. I think we slept in, explored more, went to the gym, and went to a wine tasting. It was also the first formal night of the cruise, and I had brought along a green dress I had worn to a friend's wedding. Arthur had seen pictures of me in this dress and always wanted to see me in it, but there never seemed to be a formal enough occasion to break it out, so months went by it became a running joke that arthur would ask "when do i get to see the green dress??" and I would always deny him. But tonight was the night. Because the dress had gotten so built up I thought I would go all out and with ringlets in my hair and dark eye makeup, because I knew those were Arthur's favorites as well. Needless to say, it took me a little while to get ready. Arthur was kind of pacing around, but I figured he was just bored waiting for me. We had a later dinner seating so Arthur suggested once I was ready we have a glass of wine on our balcony and watch the sunset a bit before heading to dinner. He put on some music while I curled, starting with our song ("I've got a feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas) which I thought was sweet. Finally I was ready. I told Arthur to go out on the balcony to pour the wine (and so I could make my green dress entrance). When I emerged Arthur said "You look so beautiful", we toasted, and embraced. Then he asked me "will you love me tomorrow" and I said "yes". "Will you love me next year?" and I again said "yes". Then he said "will you love me forever?". I paused and said "yes..." At that point he dropped down on one knee, slipped a ring on my finger, and said "Stephie, will you marry me?" I started tearing and said "yes yes!"
I was definitely in shock. The rest of the evening is really a blur. Arthur says I could not stop smiling. While I knew all along this would happen at some point I couldn't believe it had actually happened. After a bit I finally noticed the gorgeous ring, a simple cushion cut solitaire on a thin band with pave set diamonds.

(10 days later and I still catch myself checking it out).

I really wanted to tell the world, but we were out at sea and there was no way to call anyone without it costing a fortune. So the first night it was just us (and the strangers I told), and looking back was really nice to just enjoy the moment together. While Arthur hadn't completely decided on then when and how he was going to propose, he had been leaning towards doing it on a formal night so we could get some really good pictures. The evening was absolutely perfect.