Instead, a few days before I turned 30, I got this**:
Who needs a cake when you can have a diamond?
The proposal was subtle and understated in the perfect kind of way. No need for fireworks and fanfare - just a cute boy down on one knee in a kitchen and a shocked girl in a Chicago Bears t-shirt.
Afterwards, as we sat on the couch, sipped on glasses of the ever-delicious Argyle Brut, and gushed about how excited we were, we laughed and cried as we regaled each other with the proposal that had happened just moments ago: the way I almost made him collapse when I sat on his leg when he was still on one knee and how he had grabbed the ring from me so that he could put it on my finger himself. Suddenly, we couldn't remember if I had actually answered his question.
My answer was most obviously yes. "YES YES A THOUSAND TIMES YES!" we shouted dramatically at each other in unison. Oh my dear Gabe, I couldn't have asked for a more perfectly matched goofball to marry. I already feel sorry for our future children for having such huge dorks as parents.
After staring at that beautiful ring on my finger for a while (and wishing I wouldn't have chipped my ring finger nail as I put my luggage in the overhead earlier that day), we decided we were famished. So we bundled up, faced the chilly Chicago air, and took a stroll as a brand spankin' new engaged couple to Bad Dog Tavern in Lincoln Square. Over greasy bar food (amazing burger and fries!) and $7 martinis, Team Gabison managed an impressive third place after the first half of Trivia Night, partially thanks to my useless knowledge of Gilmore Girls and celebrity perfume. Who knows the four most populous U.S. cities that start with the letter O? You better believe Team Gabison got that one right too.
As we walked home, arm-in-arm, stopping momentarily to take pictures of the window displays from a very disturbing store called "Elegant Dresses" for possible bridesmaid dress ideas
(Rachel, I think the one on the right would be perfect on you), I couldn't help but wonder: is it possible to feel any happier than this? We are just two carefree kids, crazy in love, who have decided to get hitched. There can't possibly be anything better than that. *This was the coconut cake I made two years ago for my sister's birthday. Don't be fooled by the impressive aesthetics (and my brother's laborious fresh coconut shavings). It tasted like crap.
**I don't know how to properly pose with an engagement ring. I've never had one before.
