What was meant to be a birthday trip to Europe for David turned into a engagement story. The ring was hidden in the mesh pocket of a Nintendo Switch case while traveling. He’d panic every time it was opened or even near her. When they arrived in Paris he thought of when and where he should propose. After much consideration Monet’s Garden seemed perfect. Unbeknownst to him, that was her dream proposal. On the third day into the trip they set off early in the morning to get breakfast and catch a train to Giverney, the town where Monet’s garden is located. During breakfast David seemed out of sorts to Mai-lan. They trudged on to purchase their train tickets. They made it to the counter to find out they had exactly one minute to catch their train. In a mad dash they raced through the train platforms. Luckily a ticket conductor saw them and held the door open. Off they went! They watched towns pass by until they got off at their destination. The town was rustic and charming as they walked through on a mission to get to Monet’s garden. He knew he had chosen the right location. He now had to find the right spot and the right moment. Again she noticed he was acting strangely. He tried hard to keep his composure. They continued their slow pace through the garden. Then he saw the spot he knew they’d remember forever. The very canoe Monet painted with the surrounding lillies and lake would do. He watched as the tourists came in waves to take pictures. He timed their desent on to the location perfectly. No one was around except a lone soul on a bench. He suggested they stop to take a picture to remember this beautiful place. He approached the stranger and asked her to take a picture. Luckily she was American. After a few clicks of the camera Mai-lan began to walk away. David pulled her back and dropped to one knee. His question was met with a flood of joyous tears, a mumbled yes, and an affirming head nod. The rest of the day and trip would be blissful.