Let us first introduce the two parties involved.
Aaron, a young strapping lad at the age of 22, looking hotter than Waco in mid-august (that's pretty stinkin hot!) was new to the whole planning dates thing, yet desperately wanted to surprise his Fiance' to be. Unfortunately he is neither smooth, nor a good liar.
Crystal, on the other hand. Is older, more mature, far more attractive, and while she would admit that she wanted to be surprised... she would grill Aaron for info at every chance she had!
It was the night of October 25, 2007. The temperature was a cool 65 degrees, the skies were clear and the moon was out. Seven months prior, to the day, Aaron had asked Crystal to be his "Boo." So Aaron, with all the smoothness within him, suggested that for their anniversary date they would get dressed up and eat somewhere nice. She, with an inquisitive mind, agreed that this was a wonderful idea.
So now, the stage is set. And you will be relieved that we're no longer writing just the introduction.
Aaron showed up a couple minutes after six to Crystal's front door, dressed to a hilt carrying a dozen red roses. Cliche? Maybe a little, but she was blessed non-the-less. Her roomates were gracious enough to take photos of them before they left. Crystal still has no idea what the date would entail, though she is cleaver enough to know that she would leave the evening with a rock on her hand. After the photos, Aaron explains that he had made "reservations at a nice place to eat in town that she had never heard of" but "they aren't till 7.30." However, the Suttles (a married couple who leads their Life Group) said they could use their Wii for a little bit." Of course, Aaron is smooth enough to know that playing video games before he proposes is silly, but he was trying to throw off Crystal from thinking she would get the aforementioned rock.
They proceeded to the Suttles house, while Crystal suspiously wonders why Aaron has a key, and Aaron plays it off with finesse. For the next hour, Crystal proceeds to absolutely own him in everything they play, from Wii bowling to Guitar Hero. Aaron would have won at arm wrestling of course, but he didn't want to mess up his perfectly pressed shirt.
This is the part where Aaron's stomach begins to turn to knots, and Crystal feels like he is buying time. Yet, let the romance begin.
They go from the Suttles house-o-fun to another married couple's home (The Mulkey's). This couple had class that night, and graciously donated their casa along with some fine china and a few friendly dogs. Glen, another good friend and distinguished chef (in his own right) had been slaving all day long preparing a 4 course Italian feast. It's a date, of course there is Italian food!
Allow us to set the mood of the house for you.
They knocked on the front door, and a man opened the door and declared "Welcome to Cafe' De La Glen!" The room was dark, lit only by the glow of 100's of candles. As the song "Everything" by Micheal Buble' filled their ears (the happy couples "song"), the aroma of pasta with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes wafted out the door . Although, all they tasted in their mouths was the Orbitz Sweet Mint gum, the feelings in their hearts were expectancy of what was to come next.
Now the original plan was that Aaron would propose before dinner, as not to make it a super long drawn out thing for his already weak knees. Unfortunately, in his lack of foresight he had hidden the ring in a drawer in the kitchen. Having no way to discreetly get the ring, the first perfectly romantic moment passes as the couple dances away in the living room.
Their host for the evening, Glen, invited them to come and partake of the ceasar salad and garlic bread that made up the first course of this extravagant meal. Small talk is given, but from Aaron's perspective, it is simply awkward as he is praying for an opportunity to get the ring. Salads are devoured, and Glen comes with the second course, an Italian wedding soup. He of course, doesn't want to say the word wedding before there was a ring on her finger, so a funny exchange happens.
"And for our second course, we have an Italian meatball soup," Glen says quickly.
"Isn't this an Italian wedding soup?" Crystal asks nonchalantly.
"Uhhh.... why yes it is." And then proceeds to walk away briskly.
All the while, Aaron is thinking "Oh my goodness.... I just want to get this over with!
They partake of soup, and at this time Aaron feels like he is on the verge of death, and swears that his life flashes before his eyes. But nonetheless, he suggests that they take a break for 15 mins to let the first two courses settle before the main event, Pasta Milano, Crystal's favorite meal on earth. Well done Aaron, well done.
Once again they find themselves dancing to Buble in the living room. Crystal is extremely suspicious. Aaron feigns a bathroom break and awkwardly leaves Crystal on the couch in a moment of desperation. He grabs the massive box on the way to the bathroom and is presented with a new problem. The ring box is about the size of his fist, and cube shaped. Stick it in the pocket? No. In the belt? No. Hold it in his hand? Could have worked, but still no. The sock! Oh of course! Stick it in his sock! "She will never notice the cube shaped cancerous looking tumor that wasn't there before on the back of my leg" He tells himself.
All is well walking back, until halfway back the box begins to shift and dislodge itself from the sock. But Aaron is committed to it by now, and drags his leg behind him discreetly. "Are you OK?" Crystal asks. "I uh.. I'm fine. Thanks" is his response. He attempts to lead her in a dance, but that lasts about 10 seconds until mushiness ensues. They embrace and give each other oogly eyes. Aaron, sweeps her off of her feet with the following line
"So I really like your parents"
"You've been talking to them eh? What about?" Crystal asks suspiciously,
"Oh, a little this and a little that"
A few moments pass before Aaron, in by far the most suave and romantic voice that he can muster asks....... *Drum roll* *fireworks are about to be launched*
"Should I just do it?" he asks cooly
"Unnhun" she responds excitedly
"OK"
And with those words, Aaron awkwardly drops to one knee, almost taking out the chair next to him, fumbles around in the sock, pulls out the massive box, and totally forgets to actually ask the timeless question! What a doofus! It doesn't matter though, her eyes are wide with awe as she sees the ring. He slips it on her finger and mushiness continues, but for your sake, I won't include it.
Everything after this moment is a blur.They ate Pasta Milano with a White Riesling wine. Aaron's heart calms down and Crystal admires the ring. Aaron texts half of his phone. Crystal calls her parents. Glen serves the fourth course, an Irish Cream strawberry cheesecake served in a dark chocolate bowl with fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream. Amazing! A night to always remember!!
We are engaged to be married in Tampa, FL on Saturday, Feb 2nd! More details will follow on future plans, but this post is long enough for now! Please email us because we love you. wacopeach@gmail.com - Aaron
cncchick27@yahoo.com - Crystal
