It's all about timing

I worked a long day yesterday. It was fun. But looong. We were at the first 49ers pre-season game and out in the sun for about five hours, handing out giveaways, soliciting donations, and raising awareness of our organization. After the first quarter, we all splurged a little, buying garlic fries and other yummy ballpark treats, and enjoyed some of the game. We all decided to leave early, in the third quarter, because it was getting very cold. I stopped by my parents house to pick up the pups. Yes, they puppysit! But I didn't stay long because I was exhausted. So I said a quick "hello-thank you-goodbye" and headed home. The puppies, used to being picked up earlier than 8:00pm, were eager to go home too. I parked, entered through the garage, walked into the kitchen and saw this-

I thought two things: "Oh my gosh. OH MY GOSH!" and "Oh no. OH NO. I smell like the outdoors and have garlic breath!"
I followed the white path lined with candles and rose petals. I couldn't believe it. It was really very romantic. The path lead through the kitchen into the living room hallway and ended in the bedroom: There Gil was, on one knee, with a ring, a bottle of wine and two dozen red roses. His proposal was short and very sweet. And of course I said yes! So he slipped the ring onto my finger.
What touched my heart and just confirmed that this man is the PERFECT person for me is what he said next. He told me that just a few minutes ago he had been on his way to my parents' house to ask for their blessing. But he saw my car in the driveway and was sure I had seen him drive past in his work truck. (I didn't.) He realized that I was an hour early and raced back home because all of the petals and unlit candles were laid out. He knew he had only a few minutes to light all the candles and finish setting up. After he told me this story, he asked me to take off the ring because he wanted to show it to my parents. I said, "Oh." (Just kidding, I understood.)

I gave him a kiss, a big hug and wished him luck. He went off to ask for their blessing and pretended that he had not asked me already. Poor guy, he was flustered because he had dressed up, wearing a barong (traditional filipino dress shirt) and slacks, ready to meet with my parents but had to rush and beat me back home! He still looked very handsome, though :)

So he went to my parents' house with my ring and a gift for each of them. My dad, ever the serious person, asked him his plans (oh goodness!) but both my mom and dad were happy and, of course, they gave their blessing.

I apologize for the informal announcement but you know me, I'm a terrible storyteller, especially if I have to repeat it more than once! I tend to leave out all the good stuff. And he had worked so hard to make this a special and memorable proposal. And it was. I love him very much and we are very happy to be engaged!
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Here is a picture, Kim: