Anne of the Island

Over a fine Italian meal, two lovers laughed and talked softly, pausing to gaze lovingly into each other's eyes. Following their satisfying dinner, they held hands as they made their way across the restaurant's parking lot to his car on a cold February night.  Once inside, he slid the key in the ignition, turned the engine on and then paused. The car interior was lit only by the ambience of the surrounding street lamps. She looked over at him, a bit puzzled at the wait. He was fishing a little black jewelry box out of the pocket of his coat. "I love you," he said, turning to her. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" With quiet confidence, she said "Yes". Hearts beat faster and their eyes held as smiles spread across their faces. He gathered her into as close an embrace as the car would allow. She then slid the cool diamond solitaire down her ring finger, smiling with assurance of their love and the promise of sharing the rest of their tomorrows...together.

This was us, three years ago on this very day. The restaurant was 518 West Italian Cafe. The romantic proposal was made complete with a fairy-tale like horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of downtown Raleigh the very next day. Last night, I was thinking about the sweet memories of this day and thought I would share them with you. I have not regretted saying 'yes' for one minute. Though that night it seemed like our love was bursting at the seams, today, three years later, it has continued to grow by leaps and bounds. Baby, I'm so glad we're sharing the ride together on this up and down, crazy thing called life. xoxo