An Unforgettable Limousine Ride

We made reservations two months in advance for a table at one of downtown St. Louis's best steakhouses on Valentine's day. I picked up the ring that afternoon after work, and the realization of what was about happen finally hit me like a mack truck. I was overcome with happiness, fear, and excitement all at the same time.

That night, as my girlfriend Kristan was preparing to leave, I went into the living room and sat on the loveseat near a large window. I pretended to read the mail. When I saw what I was waiting for, I found Kristan, grabbed her hand and told her I had a surprise for her. I led her into the living room, pointed out the window, and blurted "Your ride is here." She looked at me with a puzzled look, but peered out the window only to see a shiny, black, 6-passenger limousine parked in front of our house. She almost cried right there in our living room.

As we got into the limousine, I could see the joy in her eyes. I had planned on waiting until dessert to pop the question, but I could not wait any longer. When we were on the highway towards our destination, I pulled a card out of my breast pocket. I asked her to read the card very carefully, as it contained everything I have trouble conveying with words. I then discreetly pulled out the ring box and set it next to me on the seat. When she finished reading it, she kissed me and said she knew how much in love I was with her, and that she felt exactly the same.

Suddenly, I presented her with the ring. Overcome with emotion, I choked on the words as they came out of my mouth, but somehow I got them out: "Will you marry me?" She immediately burst into tears and started shaking. With tears streaming, she said "YES!" I could barely get the ring on her finger between the sobs and the tremors. Relief and joy came over me and we embraced.

When we got to the restaurant, the doorman and the valets smiled at us slyly as though they just knew what had happened. Kristan was embarrassed that her makeup was running. The guys at the door didn't seem to mind, and neither did I. I was with the most wonderful woman in the world, and I am happy to say that I will be with her until the day I die.

Dave Cardwell