The Quintessential Moment of my Life (so far)

Yesterday was Nick and my one year anniversary. I had to work the morning, we started early (6am ) so we were done by 2pm. It was raining buckets. At the end of my shift, my boyfriend was waiting outside in the car. As I got closer, I saw something on the front seat. Flowers. I and showed them off briefly to one of my co-workers and got in the car. We were to go to supper later, but first we went home and took a much needed nap.

We went to supper at Boston Pizza (and it was free thanks to our landlord) and it was lovely. Nick had a extreme pepper pizza (a bit of a spice fanatic) and I had seven cheese ravioli. I last had it at the Olive Garden in Foxboro before the concert. Delicious. Nick told me to hold off on dessert and we'd head out to Quispam and get a slice at the nice cafe out there. Stuffed to the gunnels, I agreed and we set out. I was completely oblivious to the true purpose of the journey, during the drive I was trying to keep my stomach in check as the strawberry banana smoothie I had with supper was making its presence known.

We arrived at the cafe and I announced that I didn't think it would be wise to have cheesecake just yet, he suggested going for a drive.. and once more I agreed.

We saw a deer, and I began to recognize the direction we were heading. Towards the park where we spent a portion of our second date, and where Nick had serenaded me with The Ocean. Yes, The Ocean. We had walked along the beach and the pathways in the dark that time. To this date, it is still one of my favourite memories.

We drove down by the water, it was pitch black out and the rain was coming down in sheets. We could make out something. A beautiful great blue heron. Rare enough to see one in the daytime, let alone at night. I took this as a sign of good luck.. and I was more than right.

We turned back and looped around and Nick parked the car and suggested we make our way down to one of the picnic shelters. Still pelting rain, we walked, hand-in-hand, as we did the first night. Safe and dry under the roof of the shelter, Nick pulled me into his arms and embraced me. Words of love were exchanged and once again, he began to serenade me once more.

"Pictures in gray, Dorian Gray, just us.. by the sea..." We sang it together, the hum of the rain on the roof accompanying. He held me as we looked towards the river and then slowly turned me to face him. He was looking at me oddly. Something in my teeth? No. Bear behind me? No. I told him I didn't really feel like cheesecake tonight.. lol, I am such a dork.

He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a tiny white box. He bobbled the lines at first, but I said yes anyway. He then said, I'm going to do this properly. He got down on one knee on the soaking wet cement of the shelter and asked for my hand in marriage. No thought needed, I said Yes again. My legs had turned to rubber and I was leaning full against Nick. I was so shocked, yet so pleased. He had completely surprised me.. and it feels wonderful. It feels wonderful to feel this wonderful. Afterwards we went to the car, and I called Dad right away to tell him, then my brother (who was having a party and told everyone there, resulting in a huge cheer from the partygoers)

So thrilled. I honestly had relegated myself to being alone forever. To find someone as compatible, as compassionate, as supportive, as loving .. and actually take me for who I am.. and not want to change me and me not want to change anything about him.. well..

Wow.

I love him with all my heart and all my soul.

I feel so blessed.

Wub