The Matrimony of Cassandra & Jonathan

Cassandra and Jonathan only briefly spoke on the phone prior to their first meeting. Jonathan was looking for a nurse practitioner to join his busy surgical practice, while Cassandra was eager to specialize in this area. After that phone call, having never met face to face, Jonathan was confident Cassandra was the right fit. They worked side by side as colleagues for days, which became weeks, then months, and years. What neither realized, but seemed wildly obvious to all those around them, Cassandra and Jonathan were cultivating a mutual deep trust and profound friendship. Jonathan would often say and still jokes to this day that Cassandra is his “peripheral brain”. However, despite the uncanny similarities, quirks, and humor they share, neither ever viewed their relationship beyond platonic. That all changed one fateful evening after an office staff dinner. Jonathan began to recognize the partner he had standing right before him. He took the risk, threw chance to the wind and asked Cassandra to spend the evening with him. They found their way, instantly became lost in deep conversation, enjoying the pure comfort of one another’s company and the ease with which they understood one another. It was the end of that evening when Jonathan decided to do the unthinkable. He kissed Cassandra good night. In that instant, everything changed. From that kiss onward, they both realized what each were missing, what each needed and had been longing for, was standing right beside them all along. Their relationship developed into one of deep love and mutual respect. They are a balance of forces, partners all the way. Jonathan and Cassandra share in every aspect of life’s journey, never bored and unrelenting in the search of life adventures.

The morning of Saturday, June 3rd Jonathan awoke knowing this would be the day he asked Cassandra to be his wife. Knowing all too well Cassandra is not a morning person, he was certain that he had to be on his A-game and have “the works” ready for her when she woke up. On hand was her favorite Starbucks coffee, a fresh, toasted everything bagel with scallion cream cheese and capers. All this waiting at bedside for Cassandra, who by the end of a typical busy week, is always reluctant to start her Saturday. Despite the enticing offerings of food and beverage, Cassandra insistently floated the idea of “movie marathon Saturday in bed”. After all, it was the PERFECT rainy day to watch movies and snuggle. Jonathan remained unwavering in his plans to start the day as planned…..driving to Roscoe, New York for a day hike and dinner with her parents. He confidently reassured Cassandra that “the clouds will lift, the rain will part and the sun will shine….just watch”. Cassandra, growing more annoyed by the minute, finally relented as she realized that spending the day in bed seemed extremely unlikely. She agreed to head to her home town, on one condition - she was staying in her “cozy” clothes. She took the bait. They brought their puppy Winston along, held hands on the drive, sang along to their favorite songs. When they arrived, the clouds indeed immediately parted as if on command. They walked into Cassandra’s ultimate place of comfort, her parents fly fishing guide shop on Main Street. Waiting there, as orchestrated by Jonathan days prior were her parents, Ken and Michele. Moments later, sons Luca and Enzo and brother Chris with his partner, Elle strolled into the shop. One’s mind cannot imagine the level of shock Cassandra was feeling at that moment. A facade had been carefully curated for that day….her dad was on the river guiding an important client, the boys were at an amusement park and Chris was bogged down with project deadlines back in New Jersey. Seeing them all walk into the small shop in Roscoe, New York could mean only one thing. Cassandra, struck with confusion, nervousness and excited tears, turned her attention to Jonathan, now down on one knee. Surrounded by loved ones he asked her to marry him. Applause and laughter were the only sounds one could hear inside and outside of the fly shop. Hugs and kisses were exchanged all around. The love exuding out of that little shop on Main Street was abundant and palpable. True happiness and pure love were the only emotions of the day. Jonathan was indeed correct, the sun did shine down on everyone in Roscoe that day.