The Countdown To Forever Is On!

We started talking via Facebook after realizing we shared dozens of mutual friends, had most likely been in the same place at the same time, yet somehow had never crossed paths. A couple of weeks later, we met at a local dive bar. Nick was inside first and on time, actually a little early, and well, if you know Ashley, you know she was a little behind schedule, but not due to her lack of planning or effort. After spending 30 minutes in her car in the parking lot, she finally joined him. Also present at the bar was Kiernan (one of Nick's closest friends), whose first comment to Nick upon her entering was, "ugh, I don't know about this one." It was then our adventure really began.

Unbeknownst to Ashley, there was a plot stirring for weeks in Nick's head. How to completely blindside her while having as many friends and family present as possible. Frank's blessing (Father of the Bride) had been given, and responded to with a smiling approval. The ring, bought well in advance, had been in Nick's pocket on a few occasions prior, but no moment felt right. That is until he brainstormed the final idea, an idea so simple in nature yet with many intricate parts that had to be laid out just right to succeed. Nick and Ashley were already slated to BBQ and cook for an event at Morgan's Pub in Havelock. The time and location were set in stone, but how to get everyone informed? Nick proceeded to tell his closest friends that Ashley was going to be UN-girlfriended soon. Every single person was floored by the mention of such unexpected news being sprung upon them. That is, until Nick could be seen smiling and chuckling, then it would all click that he was to propose. With friends and family all now in the loop, it was all up to Nick to follow through with the plan. Jump to the day of, the event was being executed flawlessly, partially due to the days leading up to the events, long nights preparing everything in advance, keeping her occupied and unwary of the plot that was currently unfolding. In the waning moments leading up to being brought up on stage for Nick to pop the question, her parents (who had just previously arrived and were waiting outside) attempted to sneak in but were spotted just moments before John, the bar owner, called Nick and Ashley up to center stage. Luckily, due to the groundwork Nick had already set, she was still unaware. She assumed they had just come out for the food and the band, just another night out, as she was led to believe by previous conversations. Up on the stage standing there, she was still not up to speed as to what was happening, as Nick requested she stayed present after the round of applause for their hard work had subsided. A blank stare was all she could muster at him as he dug in his pocket and said, "I heard you like rocks," and presented her with her own piece of purple amethyst. That was just his set-up for one of two proposal plans that he had rehearsed in his head many times. He was looking to see how she was handling the situation, and saw that he needed to go with the quicker, less wordy option. Ashley was getting nervous, not liking to be in the spotlight. "I think you'll like this rock better," he said, as he dropped to one knee and asked her if she would do him the honor of becoming his wife. She replied in disbelief, a resounding "YES!" Here we are now! Getting ready for a wedding to remember!