Vicky & I had not always seen eye to eye on getting married as we both had divorced parents & different beliefs , however as the years went on, the talk of marriage became something we discussed more & more frequently.
It was approaching our 10 year anniversary & I knew that Vicky thought I would propose! (So did many people around us).
So, I decided to throw her off track! – As you would.
After hours of contemplating, I thought how else better than to buy hertwo rings, now who would buy two diamond rings for one occasion, Well… me!
It then struck me that I had to propose when she least expected it; so in our bedroom or over a meal, would just not do.
After a week of searching for ideas (planes, banners, cruises) I decided to book us a week in Cornwall. Not the most exotic of places I know, but for those of you that know Vicky, you could not chose anywhere with a greater meaning & surroundings, as this is her sanctuary.
I then of course spoke to her dad Darren to explain what I was going to do & seek his approval, which could not have gone any better.
Weeks went by & I was left thinking where & how I would propose in Cornwall….
It was then the night before our 10 year anniversary & decided to pack Vicky’s case for her. Brave move I know, but after being with someone for 10 years you know what they like & dislike wearing.
In the morning I gave Vicky her gift, which was a diamond eternity ring & said “hope you like it” – So no proposal as Vicky was expecting. I then had to leave the room as Vicky’s face was a picture; I was going to crack with laughter as Vicky’s face had disappointment written all over it!
10 minutes later proceeding back up the stairs to our bedroom where Vicky was left staring at the ring, I head her whispering to her sister on the phone saying “No he didn’t”. Upon entering the room the phone was put down & the fake smile went from ear to ear. “Do you not like it?” I asked. Vicky replied “no, no I love it.” I then replied “at least this shows I want to be with you for eternity & one day think of marriage, when we are both ready” as her fake smile slowly disappeared.
“Oh”, I said, as I handed her the anniversary card, ”I forgot to give you your card”. Upon opening the card she said “really?, I’m so excited”, as she reads that I’m taking her away for a week to celebrate our 10 years & leaving in a few hours for “Blackpool”.
I know, I know, we are not going Blackpool, but she doesn’t…So I wheel out her case & ask her to ensure she has everything & load the car to leave for Blackpool (Cornwall).
An hour or so into the journey Vicky falls asleep & then awakes as we go past Stone Henge. “Were going Cornwall she shouts, knowing Stone Henge is not anywhere near Blackpool, smiling from ear to ear”. So here comes the next lie, “Yep, staying at the holiday camp in mullion”, “can’t wait” she replied & stayed awake for the rest of the journey until she squeaked “Oh, my god this isn’t the holiday camp”. It was indeed the Cottage that we had stayed at the first time we visited Cornwall many years before surrounded by acres of land & nature.
We park up & Vicky opens the front door to be greeted by 10 red roses for each happy year we had been together.
The week goes on & finally mid-week it feels right, whilst visiting St Michaels Mount.
We took the boat to the island as the tide was in, with an unusual trip around the island on one of the hottest days of the year. Usually the boat goes direct, but on this occasion we ended up seeing parts of the island that are rarely seen.
It was around lunch time when I decide to setup the picnic I had prepared in the gardens being overlooked by the islands castle. We laid back soaking up the sun & enjoying the views from the island, focusing on the detail of the castle backdrop behind us, when I then get down on one knee with the Diamond ring sparkling in the box from the beaming sun.
Vicky turns around as she sees me hold the ring out "Will you marry me?" i ask, along with many sentimental words from the heart.
She starts to cry as she says “yes” leaning forward to kiss me. I then place the ring upon her finger & must admit, it brought a tear to my eye.