Turns out, it is wise to check and make sure the location you wish to propose in is actually open on the day you wish to drop to one knee. I had the perfect plan. Emily and I met each other for the first time at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover, so that is where I wanted to do it. I would do it on January 1st, as sort of a "New Years gift." We would go on a walk after lunch, my friends would be there, hiding in just the right spot to photograph the big moment. I had it all in place, even down to code words sent to my helping friends over text. Just as we got in the car to head to lunch, I get a text from one of the friends. "Hey, don't panic - but Aldridge Garden's is closed for New Years day." I didn't panic, but it was difficult to construct a back-up plan over the phone without Emily noticing. It was going to be sloppy, but darn it, I was going to propose that day. Right before we sat down to eat, I got a call. "William, guess what! I remembered I have a friend who works at Aldridge Gardens, and he can open it for us!" It sounded perfect - until we pulled up in the car, the gigantic "CLOSED JANUARY 1ST" sign looming over the entrance. I told a quick-witted (but stupid) lie to cover it up, and somehow it worked. Then we were through the gate. I could breathe out. Then I realized we were THROUGH the gate. I breathed back in and practically held my breath until I got to the spot. I hardly remember what I said before I dropped to one knee, but I will never forget the smile on Emily's face, and the sweetest sounding "yes" I'll ever hear. As it turns out, it was the exact spot she daydreamed about me proposing to her. (Also, as it turns out, I opened the ring box upside down in my nervousness). Scratch that: perhaps it is best not to check whether your proposal-spot is open. Because you might just get the whole place to yourself for a few hours! - William