'Til Death Do Us Part

Some good friends of mine got engaged last weekend. Normally this is a time of great joy and "buys" bragging rights until the next engagement. But this was so unique I think they gained rights for the next few.

Jack and Emily have been a couple for as long as I can remember. Encompassing all of my high school and college undergraduate years. So the real surprise to the friends was not if she'd say yes, but if he'd actually ask. They took a mini-vacation on Friday and Saturday to Arches National Park. (And no, they don't have the plague). Emily was quite sure this was her time and on many occasions accidentally bumped into him in a vain attempt to find the ring first.

Several hours into the hike as the sun began to set Jack stopped to 'tie' his shoe. His intention was to take the ring out of his pocket and rotate, on his knee, to ask the question. Unfortunately he lost his balance and fell. Normally falling and hiking are of no concern, but the ring was missing and he couldn't ask for help or show panic.

After multiple excuses and what felt like an eternity Jack caught the bling with his eye. Emily never appeared to notice and tearfully accepted. After returning to town they had each friend over for dinner separately. At each dinner Emily would do her best to show off the ring, but neither one would announce the engagement outright. While the women were preparing the meals she made sure to cut ring-side out, and during social time and dinner she was exceedingly expressive - waving that ring like Bush the Elder in a public address.

It was our mission, the guests, to notice. It took me too many hints. But I gather I was not alone in the delayed response. Once the guests took note and asked, Jack and Emily gleefully told their good news. And over dinner they humorously told of the experience that we won't let them forget.