As has grown accustomed in this day and age, they met via the World Wide Web. On a place called Match.com. Joe was scrolling through various matches one evening when a smile that shown as bright as a thousand suns crossed his phone screen. He viewed Emily’s profile and found several common interests. Movies, meals and travel. One questioned begged to be asked to determine whether this match was true. He messaged her, introduced himself and inquired whether she preferred cake or pie. Her response was simple and the only correct one. “Pie, duh.” They met for drinks a few weeks after, she busted his chops almost immediately and a three-hour conversation ensued. They continued their courtship over numerous other meals and beverages. Now that their search for the perfect partner was at an end they embarked on a lifelong journey, side by side, to find that perfect piece of pie. They haven’t stopped laughing since.
There was a version of this story filled with a surprise breakfast of donuts, eggs and bacon on Emily’s birthday where the proposal was to be made. Then they were to spend the whole day together engaging in a series of events this couple called their own. Skee ball and arcade games, nice cocktails and an evening of fine dining. Unfortunately, Joe was knocked asunder by a heinous stomach bug working its way through his body on the big day. Meals were cancelled, surprises postponed, and a ring remained concealed, as cliched as it sounds, in his sock drawer. By week’s end, he was on the mend and could not hold onto this precious jewel any longer. He needed her to know what their future held. There was no time to replicate the previously scheduled events and decided to do it over an intimate, home-cooked meal in their apartment. With the ring tacked secretively under the table he presented it to her while listing all the things they had done together and appreciated about their relationship. Proposing is occasionally a clumsy thing and he forgot to take a knee and say the official words, “Will you marry me?” As he spoke, her eyes fell to the ring in his hand and as realization dawned on her face she asked, “Is this happening?” He simply responded, “You in?” She said yes.