…The next day, Tuesday (yesterday), Susie and I were looking forward to a low-key, non-planning, relaxing date night. Or at least that’s what I told her. During a few hours in the middle of my workday, I drove up to Linda’s house where so much of our story had unfolded, and I prepared the kitchen for the evening ahead (I had arranged the week before with Linda to use her house for this momentous event). Several roses surrendered their petals to cover the counters and others mounded into a pile for me to dust the tile floor before we walked in that night. Chocolates, tea lights, and votives took their places amidst the flowers, and a small set of daisies stood watch to one side.

The soloist of this romantic symphony, though, was a pink box, crowned with a small tapestry with special significance, and wrapped by a faint blue ribbon. Within the box lay five white foam poster boards decorated by gummy bears and chocolates to tell Susie of my love for her and set the stage for the question (on the last piece). The ring would remain in my pocket until that moment. Of lesser note, my iPad was set to one side with several songs in a playlist to give ambiance and dancing music, and my iPhone would hold the role of videographer to capture the event (under the shade of a plant on the counter).

Happy with the prepared outcome, I spun away the remaining workday hours until I could pick up Susie shortly after 5pm for our “care-free” date night. As I picked her up, my nervousness morphed into bouncy giddiness (it had to come out some way!) and we went on our merry way to Chipotle–one of her favorite places :). From there and under the graceful cover of darkness, courtesy of the end of Daylight Savings Time, I began weaving us up toward Linda’s house in far north Plano. Susie asked if she could know where we were going, but I smiled and said, “Nope, this is just one of my little special operations for my sweetheart” (trying and wishing to downplay it some as we made our way).

About two blocks south of the turn in to the neighborhood, I pulled out a handkerchief and asked Susie to blindfold herself. She knew we were in the general area of Linda’s, but I’d mentioned going for a walk in a park (many of which were nearby) so she figured it was something along those lines. Then we pulled up to the house and I asked her to stay put while I went to do “something”. I unlocked the door, went inside, and started to get things ready but realized I’d left my phone in the car–that wouldn’t do! So I ran back out, ducked into the car (she was still blindfolded), grabbed my phone, and said I’d be right back.

With everything finally in hand, I lit the candles, sprinkled the floor with the extra rose petals, started the music and began the video recording. Then I went to get Susie.

I led her by the hand up steps, down steps and then through the front door. At the entrance to the kitchen, I removed her blindfold and told her to open her eyes. I’m pretty sure the candles, flowers, music, and chocolates gave it away then :).

Then I led her to the box and asked her to open it while I smiled with love and looked on. Taking it all in, she opened it and read each card:

As she revealed the last card, I withdrew the ring box, lowered to one knee, and waited for her to turn. Then I asked her, “Will you marry me?” She said “Yes!”, I placed the ring her finger, and we hugged and rejoiced. As we soaked it all in, we danced. At first, it was instrumental piano pieces, but then transitioned to three special songs, “If You Could See What I See” and “The Vow”, by Geoff Moore & The Distance, and “You Said”, by Shane & Shane. It was the most wonderful moment of my life…thus far.

I rejoice and praise the Lord, our gracious and most wonderful heavenly Father, who knew Sue and I before we were born and planned out each of our lives before we came to be. Every step of the way has been a gift from His hand, and I can’t imagine any more precious gift than He has given me in Sue. I love her beyond measure and eagerly anticipate each day of serving her as a picture of Christ and the Church to the world. Thank You, Father, for Your goodness, grace, and love. Thank You, Jesus, for redeeming us from our sins and saving us to Your glory. Thank You, Spirit, for each surprise and for all of the prayers You inspired in so many hearts that have led to this day. Amen.