The Proposal

Sunday, March 20th, 2011 began like so many Sundays before. Jenni woke up, made herself coffee and a bagel, and set off to teach kids gymnastics. Although she normally enjoyed every minute with her kiddies, on this particular day she was looking forward to the end of class because Jim would be meeting her with Lucky to go straight to the Shirlington dog park.

As her last class came to a close, Jenni looked up and saw Jim's white Red Sox hat up in the Mezzanine viewing area. She blew him a kiss with each hand, then did a gymnastics "Ta-Da!" before calling for everyone to line up.

The two headed outside to the parking lot hand in hand and Jenni suggested they walk to the dog park since it was close by. Jim agreed this was a good idea. Unknown to Jenni at the time, Jim was a nervous wreck and trying to keep her walking on his right side because the engagement ring box was bulging in his left shorts pocket. Passing a gas station, Jenni asked Jim to run inside to get her a Gatorade. He gladly complied and even bought a pack of Combos to pad the ring box, just in case Jenni switched sides on him.

Approaching the crosswalk, Jim suggested they continue their stroll along the longer, but much prettier route. This time Jenni agreed this was a good idea. Walking along, it was hard not to notice the fantastic weather. Perfect 60 degree temperature, sun shining on their backs and a cool breeze blowing. Excitedly, Jenni passed along some information one of her students had given her earlier that morning - today was the first day of Spring! Jim laughed at Jenni's childish delights and pointed out the flowers blooming. Of course, Jenni being the know-it-all she is said they were tulips (they were daffodils) and Jim was impressed by her flower knowledge.

The couple came to the foot bridge over the little stream that separated Shirlington Village from the dog park entrance. Once halfway across Jim stopped and pulled Jenni into a big hug. He gave her a little kiss. Then kissed her again. And again and again! Jenni began to notice Jim shaking a bit and fumbling in his pocket. Instantly she knew - this was the moment!

Jim started his proposal by talking about how perfect the day was, then continued to talk about how perfect their life together had become. In normal Jim fashion, he started to ramble a bit, commenting on how happy Jenni made him and how there was only one way to make their life together more perfect. Then he told her he'd received her parents approval the previous weekend, and Lucky's approval that morning, and he only needed one more person's approval. He got down on one knee and asked Jenni to marry him.

Tears streaming down her face, Jenni said yes! She finally took her eyes off Jim's face and noticed the most beautiful ring she had ever seen shining in his hand. Jim asked her to put it on but Jenni said no, that he needed to put it on her! He slipped the ring on her finger, a perfect fit. Jim wrapped Jenni in his arms and gave her a long passionate kiss.  The embrace may have gone on all afternoon if not for Lucky whining at them. They laughed, wiped the tears from their eyes, and set off into the park.