People have been commenting lately that so many of my creative writing pieces come true that I should write myself rich.  And I laugh, but I’m also beginning to wonder if there isn’t something to that.  I mean, last year, I wrote this short story for Sam.  And…now it was coming true…almost identical to the story.  Seriously.  And if you don’t believe me, you can compare.

HIM: Yes, it does come with a question.

He cleared his throat.

And I would love to give you all the exact words from this proposal, but I was too busy processing it and feeling it and experiencing it to be able to exactly recreate it.  And…it was intensely personal, meant for me, and me alone.  (At least I’m giving you a peek.)  Suffice it to say, it went something like this…

HIM: Nicki, I am so sorry for all the hurt and pain I’ve caused you.  I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to you.

He explained that he had tried dating other women, but no one compared to me.  He could never have with any of them what he had with me.  He was ready to be a husband and a step-father.  And there was so much more, so many beautiful words from a man who claims words are not his friends.

He closed with that all important question and how could I respond with anything but ‘yes’ ?  I couldn’t.  This is what I had always wanted.  I wanted Happily Forever After with him.  All I’ve ever wanted is to be with him.

He asked if he could put the ring on my finger.   And I let him.  And though the ring, a family heirloom, is nowhere near the right size, the man is a perfect fit.

HIM: I went and saw my dad.  I had to get his permission and the ring.  He asked me a lot of questions.  He was concerned.  But after I explained everything to him, he approved.

So, yeah, I love the ring.  He wanted it to be a temporary ring and buy me one of my own, but I talked him out of it.

me: This ring is beautiful.  And it is so special to me because it comes with your father’s approval, and it was your grandmother’s ring.  No other ring could mean as much to me.

And I wasn’t just saying that.  New rings are nice.  I’ve had a new ring.  I love that this ring comes with history, part of his history.  I love that this ring has meaning other than that it simply binds me to him.  I love that it makes me feel part of his family.  I love that he entrusted it to me.  I love that he entrusted his heart to me.

And so we’re planning a wedding.  I’m a planner, but for me, this is extra special.  I’m getting my chance to do it right.  I’m getting the biggest do-over ever.  And I’ve never felt more blessed, more at peace…

…despite the fact that The Bubble knows.  And there were mixed reactions.  See, they know us.  And they love us.  And they want us to be happy.  Even better if we can be happy together.

Still, while the men eagerly plan a bachelor party for Sam that apparently will involve lots and lots of lap dances, and while the women use me as an excuse to have a wild and crazy night out on the town, they are also placing bets.

Yes, The Bubble has created a pool.  And let me tell you how that conversation went.

Ed: We have a pool going.

me: About what?

Ed: You and Sam getting married.

me: You don’t think we’ll get married?

Ed: No, I think you’ll get married.

me: To each other?

(Ed, Laura, and Kimberly laughed at this point.)

Ed: Yes, to each other.

me: Then what are we betting on?  I may want in.

Laura: You can’t be in.  You could rig it.

She’s right…but then Sam is something of a wild card…

Ed: The number of times Sam freaks before the big day.

me: So, I should move the date up?

Ed: Maybe.  Or…you could keep him drunk until then.

And I actually considered that for a moment.  Hmmm.  He’s more relaxed.  He’s snugglier.  He says the prettiest things.  Tough choices.  And yet not.  Even though I jokingly call him Sybil, I like all the many faces of my Sam.  And I don’t want him to lose out on one moment of the planning of the wedding.  He’s been so involved already…right down to the discussion of the kind of ring he’d like to have.  (He chose well, by the way.)

I like his input.  I like the way he listens and weighs everything with me.  I like how in sync we are with our vision of this event.  It might not always be like this, but whatever happens we’ll work through it.  We always do. We can’t stay away from each other, so we need to make it together.  Hmmm.  Together.  I like the sound of that.