The Most Surreal Moment of My Life!

The Date September 10, 2005

The Place The Cheesecake Factory, Westbury NY

The Setup

I don't even know where to begin! Our 4 year anniversary was approaching quickly. I was scheduled to have knee surgery right before our anniversary so we decided we would celebrate early. I was anxious to get engaged but James insisted we weren't ready, financially or as a couple since we met at young ages. Some things had happened through the week (my mom non chalantly asking my ring size, a very private convo between my parents & James etc.) that may have led me to believe we were getting engaged and although I had my hopes up I knew I couldn't be disappointed when it didn't happen.

The night was planned for us to go to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Of course, since it was a Saturday night, the place was a mob scene. We waited an hour and a half and when the hostess finally went to seat us at a table, James insisted we would wait for a boot. I was so irritated since the wait had been so long and I was so hungry. I couldn't understand why waiting for a booth was necessary.
After another 1/2 hour, we were finally seated in a booth. James asked if I wanted my gift and had to preface it by saying I know you are disappointed because we're not getting engaged but we will...one day! He slid what was a long box across the table and I thought at that moment that I needed to prepare myself because this was not a ring box! When I opened the box, there was a note in there that said "Will You Marry Me?" It took me a minute to process what was happening and when I looked up he slid the ring box across the table and I just started crying. I barely muttered the word "Yes". In the middle of all this, the food came and we were too excited to eat. We just wanted to get home and share the news with our families. We made quick calls to our parents and shortly after, headed out to my house where we were joined with his parents & mine and my grandmother! It was the most exciting night and the most surreal!