It was a great plan. I had it all figured out in my head for weeks. I just had to make it to Valentines Day and not spoil it with my over excitement and leak it with my big mouth. I have to admit that it was hard. There were times when I was busting at the seams. I just wanted to do it. I had to practice plenty of patience and self control, but at last the day had finally come. I was nervous and a little aprehensive because I try not to make plans too far in advance...

But this plan was different. This plan was special.

She had to go out of town for a couple of days and she was due back on February 14 midday. She wanted me to pick her up from the airport but I had plans so I had to make sure that didn't happen.  I had my proposal to put into play. My blue print called for me to have candles, flowers, dinner and everything all ready by the time she came through the door.  Unfortunately that did not happen. A unexpected obstacle came up and just like Murphy's Law what ever could go wrong did. I was detoured and delayed. I was running around as quickly as I could but we wound up getting home at exactly the same time. So my candle light dinner plans had to be scrapped. I had flowers in my hand and I still had to get the ring out the hiding place and into my pocket. But I didn't panic. I kept my cool. I had a few tricks up my sleeve and my ace had not been played yet.

I wanted this to be something she would remember for the rest of her life. Something she will smile about forever.

Now we are finally in the house and I think we both had some things to work out so we went in opposite rooms to finish our last minute details. We finally met up in the living room sat down and wished each other a Happy Valentines Day. We talked and kissed for a little while and then I proceeded to tell her how happy she has made me. How much I love her and how grateful I am that we met and decided to give love a chance. Needless to say that led to some more kisses. Lol. One thing led to another and we were back talking again. I told her that I know we have been talking about getting married. I was trying to hold off I wanted it to be right. I was trying to keep her from finding out my plan. Remember I said I was busting at the seems. Stalling for a special occasion is not easy. The atmosphere had to be just right. After all I didn't have my candle light dinner. Suddenly I realized that every moment was perfect, every day that we have been together we have had some great times and I know deep down that we will have many, many more. That this is not a fairly tale or storybook romance. The struggle is real and there will be challenges. Right then and there I realized just how much I love her and wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. I pulled out the box, opened it and

I said to her that I couldn't think of anyone I would rather spend the rest of my life with and I couldn't think of a better time than Valentines Day to ask you

WILL YOU MARRY ME.

I think she knew that it was coming because she began to glow and had a smile that could light up NY. She started saying no, no several times and I truly believe she was very surprised and very happy. It was definitely a priceless moment. It worked out better than I could have ever planned it. As I slid the ring on her finger, looked her in the eyes and kissed her.

SHE SAID YES.

The rest is history in the making.