Normally not one to have difficulty keeping secrets, this was quite possibly the longest almost-a-month in the history of Cindy. But I'm pretty sure my excitement didn't in any way compare to the excitement and nervousness of Jake, beginning with his meeting with us. He said he wanted to meet. We knew what this had to be about. We suggested breakfast. He said our home would do. He later told us he was afraid he wouldn't be able to eat. Even on an empty stomach, however, he did great. Right down to, "Can I Mari-Ana?" Get it? Good job, Jake.
Who knew, way back when, that this is where we'd be in 2019?
So he said he wanted to pop the question on the boat. He also said it needed to be the first day because his stomach wouldn't last any longer than that. He momentarily switched it to fireworks night. Until we told him we thought those might be the last night, or even the second to last night. He quickly returned to the first night.
The grand staircase in the main lobby became the target location. A plan was concocted by which we would say we were taking a huge family photo before dinner. While we waited for the cruise photographer (who was never going to show because there was never any photo planned), Jake would find an excuse to get Mariana onto the steps. There he would ask her to marry him.
Then he realized that he didn't have a place to hide the ring; his pockets were too small. A quick addendum to the original plan placed the ring in my backpack (no pressure there) to be handed off to Eden who would suddenly appear next to Jake at just the right moment.
The center diamond came from Jake's mother's engagement ring
We sent Jesse and Megan to the top of the steps to keep random strangers from descending at an in-opportune time. Their pronouncement that there would soon be an announcement kept some of those random strangers poised along the railing to watch the scene unfold.
The time came. Jake asked Mariana if she'd be willing to let Andrew take their photo while we waited, they moved to the steps, he moved into place, neither can remember what he said, Eden showed up with the ring...
...and just like that it was over. The crowd along the railing cheered. We cheered. Photos were taken. T-shirts were handed out. Daisy Duck entered from somewhere and hugs were given. Daisy looked at Ana's finger to admire the ring...
The ring...
They forgot the ring.
No problem. The ring was placed and all was well. Jake was deemed a hero for understanding the importance of family and proposing in front of one and all and quickly became the favorite first son-in-law (and grandson-in-law), a coveted position for sure. He says he is a bit worried, however, since his mother-in-law-to-be is too good at lying - even he was convinced there were photos planned for 5:30!
Not much else happened on the cruise. I don't think it did, anyway. But I'm sure I'll think of something.
Ok, that blog made me cry! We're so happy to have "Mari-Ana" as our future daughter-in-love!!! Your words were the next best thing to being there and we wouldn't have wanted it any other way!!!! We're also thrilled that our families are joining together and look forward to all the precious memories to come. :) xoxox
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