The engagement story and my ring

Ed searched long and hard for "just the right ring" and diamond. My input was simply what shape of diamond I'd prefer and what color the gold band should be. With that said, his choice is absolutely stunning and well suited to my taste and style! As for our engagement story, it was a purr-fect night! Ed made reservations for us at a restaurant we'd dubbed the location of our "most romantic date." It is a fondue restaurant called The Melting Pot located in Schaumburg, IL. He said we should have a special date night and asked me to dress accordingly. The night of the date (January 20th), he didn't enter my house through the garage like normal; instead, he walked around to the "formal" entrance and knocked. I opened the door to find him looking gorgeous and offering me TWO DOZEN roses (white in the center ringed by red roses). What a darling! When we arrived at the restaurant, we were taken to an intimate corner booth (the best table) with curtains hanging on either side of the booth entrance for maximum privacy. Once seated, we ordered a four course meal and began our tradition of cooking and feeding one another each and every bite. YUM! Between the 3rd and 4th course, Ed asked the waiter to give us a little break and that is when he came around to my side, knelt down, and made the most beautiful proposal that a woman could ever hear. It was straight from his heart and had tears spilling from my eyes before he was even half done! He had the engagement ring tucked into a plastic red heart and his hands were shaking as he opened it to offer me the ring. Poor Ed, he finished his proposal and looked at me, ready to hear "yes," but I was so overcome with emotion that I couldn't speak for a minute! His expression was priceless as he WAITED and waited. *chuckle* But I can't imagine being with anyone other than this man, so once I could choke back my tears I said YES YES YES and TADA, I became the bride-to-be of the most wonderful man on the planet (ok, I might be a teeny tiny bit prejudiced about this but he certainly is the best for me!) Later that night we called our immediate family and shared the great news. The engagement picture on our blog was taken the very next day, so you can probably still see our happy "glow." Of course this is my (Debra's) version of the event. If Ed has another version, I encourage him to tell it! *smile*