It wasn't a surprise, I knew Gary was going to propose.  We had discussed it.  We chose the ring together.  But timing is everything, right?  I didn't know exactly WHEN he would propose.  I had a feeling, because I know that Gary is every bit the sentimental romantic that I am.

We had planned to have a special evening on Sept 21, our year anniversary.  We were going to go to "our beach, Sandkey" and then out to dinner.  Gary wore the same shirt he worn on our first date.  I wore a yellow dress, because I love it.  It was a beautiful evening, and there was a breeze, and a sailboat off in the distance, as the sun set.  As we had so many times before, we just walked the beach, hand in hand.  It had rained earlier that day, so the sand was firm and wet, and easy to walk on. 

Gary's hands were sweating........................I had a feeling.

As we turned to walk back and go to dinner, he stopped in front of me and said,"I'm sorry to not get down on one knee, but the sand is wet, but I can't wait another minute"  He took the ring box out of his pocket, opened it and said "Christine, you are the love of my life, will you accept this ring we chose together and marry me?"

Of course I said yes, and cried a little.  I felt like I'd waited my whole life for that moment.

Dinner was romantic, with a sea view. We couldn't take our eyes off of each other, or stop smiling.  The only time Gary didn't have my hand in his was if we were eating. The waiter knew we were celebrating our engagement.  There was wonderful wine, and dessert after dinner.   It was an enchanted evening...................my Prince had finally arrived.