Recently in Engagement Category

My fiance and I have known each other for almost 16 years now, been a couple for over 10 years, altogether (we had a little break in between), and living together for over a year, so it was to no one's surprise that the proposal was coming.

Although we had talked about marriage before, and I had been dreaming of when the day would come, when the day actually came, it was a complete, sweet surprise for me. And I have some silly infection to thank for that.

The year was coming to a close and I had been secretly thinking that maybe I would have to wait until the coming year to be engaged (at 31, I wasn't feeling any younger), so I just tried to focus on the pending Christmas holidays.

I was enjoying the tree decorating, gift wrapping, and baking lots and lots of cookies and goodies to give away for Christmas. Then, what started as allergy-like symptoms grew to a full sinus and bronchial infection in less than a week. I was a mess - major sinus problems and aches.

Not being able to sleep and on over-the-counter medication all week leading up to Christmas Eve, I didn't feel like myself and it was difficult to get in the holiday spirit, but I didn't want to miss one of my favorite holidays, so I rested as much as I could and overloaded on OTC cold medicine.

I rested as much as I could for a couple days before Christmas Eve, staying in bed for almost the entire day (I can't stand laying still for too long), and it paid off. The sinus pressure was better and I had enough energy to get up and do a little last-minute shopping the morning of Christmas Eve with my mom and sisters. I was done shopping but honestly wanted any excuse to get out of the house.

It's been tradition to spend Christmas Eve at my mom's house but since I was ill she suggested I stay home to keep resting. She was right but since I knew I was going to miss being with family I invited them to at least stay for dinner, which my personal chef boyfriend was cooking. She gracefully declined and said I really should rest. I thought it odd, but just accepted that it was just going to be the three of us at home on Christmas Eve - boyfriend, me and the cat.

I dressed up a little to get more into the spirit. We enjoyed the delicious eats created and after, my boyfriend suggested we take pictures in front of the Christmas tree, a tradition we began together a couple years back.

I thought sure, I can't look that bad. I tried to position my digital camera to get a good shot of us and the tree but I was taking a little longer than my boyfriend expected. Finally, after the second shot, and after he was tired of sitting on his knees for almost ten minutes, we thought it was good enough and got up.

I got up first and he asked for me to help him up, so I reached my hand down for his but as his left arm swung from behind towards mine I saw he was holding a white box. In a matter of five seconds I went from confused to shock as I realized what kind of box it was - a ring box.

I had an 'Oh-my-God' moment as his words blurred through my ears. I threw a big smile right back at his wide-grin and said 'Yes' and we hugged.

I didn't want to let go but he was so eager to get the ring on. I completely forgot about it. As I looked at it, I knew someone else knew about the proposal before I did. (I found out later, there was apparently more than just one person who knew - more on that later.)

I love my fiance but he's not the best gift shopper and I knew as I stared at the beautiful blue sapphire in the middle of the ring as it slipped so perfectly on, that he had help. But I loved him even more for that.

The fact that he wanted me to have a ring I would love and actually reached out to someone else for help is a big thing for him - so it made it even more special. (Thanks BFF!)

Needless to say, despite the infection and the trip to urgent care, it was the best Christmas ever!

Next up: The announcement and the planning - (in soap-opera dramatic fashion) DUNDUNDUN!!