Before you read this entry, read "The Proposal, Part 1" here.
. . . (continued from "Part 1). . . After shaking off the nervousness from asking Laura's parents for her hand, I went back to work of setting up the party. Fortunately, I had another 24 hours to again build up courage, this time to ask Laura herself.
The next morning I picked up the pig roaster from London Road Rentals and set the pig to roast with the help of a great friend. (thanks Justin!) The day went flying by as more shopping had to be done, kegs picked up, final lighting installed, etc, etc...
I had invited a wide range of friends, those that I had grown up, gone to high school, college and even business "colleagues" that had grown into friendships. The party had two stages, an"open house" from 5 to 8pm for the more sedate crowd, and the 8pm "drunken revelry" for the rest. I planned to make my move right around 8, so that we'd have the largest crowd.
Naturally, 8 o'clock approached much, much faster than I could have ever anticipated. More and more people started to arrive - some that I had never actually expected would show. With every passing minute and every additional set of eyes, my stomach spawned another butterfly.
When I could no longer stand it, I borrowed a mic from the DJ and asked for everyone's attention. I started by thanking everyone for coming, all those that helped, etc, etc. Then I called Laura out of the crowd to thank her especially for all her help and dedication to planning the party over the last several months. Of course, I quickly started to repeat myself as my nervousness started to show. I wanted to surprise her with the ring, but did not really plan that far ahead.
"If she's going to be surprised, she's can't see it coming," I thought.
So, I asked her to take a bow for all her hard work. This took a bit of doing as she thought I was merely being drunk and stupid. But a bit of coaxing and a hard shove into the middle of the crowd got her to do it. As soon as her back was turned, I dove into my back pocked for the ring box and dropped to one knee.
By the time Laura turned around, I didn't need to use too many words, which was just as well, since I didn't have many left. I'm fairly certain I actually managed to formally ask her to marry me, but I know for a fact that all she managed in response was a squeak. (not unlike her mom...huh)
Kissing and hugging ensued. Congratulations and well wishes were given. Alcohol was consumed.
We're engaged. HOLY SH*T!!
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