We met at a bar called Fiona's. I was there after a long day, waiting for my ride home and worrying that I was wearing out my welcome with the group I'd unexpectedly joined. I turned around and there she was. And despite the fact that I woke up that morning firmly believing that I had terrible judgement and would be better off avoiding all serious romantic attachments, in a moment all that evaporated. I knew when I saw her, I was looking at my future.

I was out having a brunch with my friend Molly when my sister, Amy, texted me saying that she and some people were going to a local bar by our apartment called Fiona's. Molly and I decided why not go to a third location? I knew Rafael was going to be there and was excited to meet Amys’s best friend Sam’s younger brother, whom I had heard so much about over the years. Little did I know he had no idea I existed! So we headed over, and I saw the group sitting in the window. I walked over and popped my arms on the windowsill to surprise them with a "hello!" and there right in front of me was a man wearing a green vest, a long skirt, and a big hat. "Ah! This must be Rafael." Over the next several hours we got to talking and laughing and flirting, and I realized I wanted more of this person. It was right after he ran his fingers through my hair and told me I was beautiful that I whispered to Sam "I think your brother is hitting on me!" Sam sputtered with surprise and shock and asked if that was okay. "Yes, definitely," I said. "In fact, you can give him my number." We went on a date a week later, and I never looked back.

Even though I suggested she marry me the day that we met, our first date and pretty consistently from then on, I waited to buy a ring until we had tried living together and I confirmed her preferences and ring size. She'd already told me she wanted it to be private, she didn't want it to be a big event or a surprise party and when we started planning a romantic vacation in Scotland, I knew the perfect opportunity would present itself then. I'm a planner so I had a lot of ideas about different ways it could go down. She had reserved a table at a romantic restaurant, got us tickets to whisky tastings and a highland dance and had reserved a hotel near a gorgeous waterfall. Essentially, she packed the itinerary with romantic moments so I knew I'd have plenty of opportunities to propose. As soon as we arrived I wanted to do it, but she was so tired I thought I should wait for when she was more rested. Then I wanted to do it when we went out dancing, but we got so hungry and sweaty I decided it would be better to wait until we were both more comfortable. I almost did it in Edinburgh Castle, but I couldn't find a private enough place to pull her aside. For sure the romantic dinner seemed the most promising, but the restaurant was more crowded than I expected and the thought of possibly knocking the table next to us while getting on one knee was enough to make me hold off. It was fine because we'd saved the best for last. We walked along the Waters of Leith, a little river that flows right through Edinburgh, we took pictures and enjoyed a picnic near a waterfall. I waited until the walking trail around us was clear and quiet and that's when I did it. I loved seeing her so surprised and we were both so emotional, but I'll never forget what she said (after agreeing to marry me), "Look at that fucking ring!"

It was the last day of our trip to Scotland and we were going on a nature walk. I had actually thought he was going to propose the night before at our fancy dinner and so when it didn’t happen, I assumed he would ask at a later time at home. We were getting ready to go and he was wearing a cute out fit - I asked him “this is a hike right? I’m planning wearing leggings and a sweat shirt.” I then obliviously and somewhat grumpily was convinced to wear a new tweed jacket I had gotten at a thrift store in London instead of said sweatshirt but kept the leggings and no make up look. Why did I need to look cute for a nature walk? The walk along the River Leith was magical. Wild flowers, fluffy bumble bees, and the rolling gentle river surrounded us as we leisurely ambled through the outer towns of Edinburgh. After stopping at a waterfall, we decided to sit along the riverside for a picnic - it was quite a spread! Wine, cheese from a local cheese monger, jams, cured meats! I told him I could stay there for hours talking, eating, drinking, and watching the river. Rafael then asked if we could take a timed photo by the river instead of a selfie, which I thought was unnecessary but I decided if that’s what he wanted then why not? I got up to the river’s edge to join him after he propped his phone on a nearby rock. I was giving him a lecture on timed photo procedure - where to stand, how long the timer should be etc. - when he said “Wait! There’s only one more thing that could make this more perfect.” And before I knew what’s as happening he was down on one knee, holding an emerald ring out to me. Anyone who knows me would not be surprised that I immediately started to cry, hands flying to my face. I then got down on my knees too and held his hands. I know he did at some point ask if I would marry him, though exactly when in those brief moments, I can’t remember. It was serene and private and perfect in every way, and my heart burst with happiness.