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Classic story . . . girl sitting at the bar, in walks a handsome man. Eyes meet and the future was written.

This day will always be special. Wayne and I had a lunch date. He showed up with a picnic basket and a potted violet in a keepsake box. As we sat on a hill over looking the ocean, Wayne asked me to "be exclusive". I'll never forget that burst of joy. Remember how the Grinches heart grew and broke the x-ray frame? Yeah, that was me.

Two weeks before COVID restrictions were enforced, Wayne and I spent 4 days in Phoenix, Arizona. We did it all; hiked, swam, took long drives in the desert, got dressed up and went to a romantic dinner, attended Dodgers Spring Training and a NASCAR race. The 6 hour drive home seemed like 2. The pandemic canceled our social calendars. For the next 9+ months, we spent hours and hours in conversation. We played lots of games and took long drives. That picnic basket from a few weeks before really came in handy!

The plan was to propose at sunset on the lifeguard chair where we had spent many hours admiring the view. There is a small cavity behind the backrest that was the perfect spot to stash the ring. As sunset approached, I suggested we take our Derby Day cocktails to the chair. It seemed everything was going according to plan until . . . I kissed Belinda, told her I loved her and tried a sly "behind the back" retrieval of the ring . . . oops! I bumped the ring box and it wedged deep into the cavity. Now I had to abandon the sly move, turn around and dig out the stuck box. Belinda asked "What are you up to now baby?". "Nothing" was my reply. After what seemed like forever, I finally dislodged the box. I turned holding the box for her to see. She noticeably caught her breath. When I opened the box she gasped. When I slipped the ring on her finger, she gave me a big kiss. I sat back and felt relief that I had still managed to pull off the surprise, except for one minor detail . . . "You still have to ask me!" she said. Oh, so close!!