Cat’s plan was to simply share her favorite places in Grand Rapids with Michael during their trip to Michigan in March, but Michael was planning something more. Michael knew that he was scheduled to meet most of Cat’s closest friends that evening, and decided this was the perfect time to have exciting news to share with them. All that was left was to ask one of the most nerve-wracking questions Michael would ever have to ask. The ring had arrived weeks before, and had been strategically placed in his mother’s care to prevent Cat from stumbling upon it, but also to prevent any spontaneous proposals before the perfect moment. Now Michael considered how to keep Cat from seeing the ring for just a few hours longer. Into his sock it went. After a trip around Meijer Gardens in the cold, but clear Saturday morning, and after Michael managed to transfer the ring box from his sock to his pocket, Michael and Cat arrived at the serene koi pond at the center of the park. Michael patiently waited for the other park-goers to walk away, knowing that Cat would prefer this moment to be private between just the two of them, and then the moment arrived. After a question, a yes, some tears and hugging, they were engaged. Following a final trip around the park for Michael’s blood pressure to regulate, and for Cat to take 1000 pictures of the ring, themselves, and the park, it was time to meet her friends for dinner. It likely goes without saying that dinner was a success. Cat and Michael were able to share their exciting news with loved ones, and Michael’s excellent taste in engagement rings definitely helped win approval from some of Cat’s closest friends.