I was sitting and waiting for my boyfriend to arrive. We were going out for dinner to celebrate our 2-year anniversary.

I had taken my time getting ready for our night. I had even had my hair done. An extravagance I didn't allow myself but a few times a year. Earlier I had my bath, shaved my legs, did a pedicure and lastly my manicure. Not often I did that either come to think of it. Never had any nails.

Tonight was the first time I was going to wear my new dress. I had bought it a few months ago but never really had the opportunity to wear it. It was a knee-length, red cocktail gown with spaghetti straps and had a scalloped hemline. When I walked by the shop window and saw it, I knew I had to have it. Even I had to admit that I looked good in it.

I had just gotten up to take a last look at myself when the doorbell rang. Finally, he was here. I went over and opened the door to let him in.

"WOW." he said as he whistled his approval, then bent over to give me a kiss.

"I take it you like?" I asked, suddenly feeling a bit shy. He looked pretty neat too in his gray suit.

"Well, like is good. But I would say I love it and you look absolutely gorgeous. Now, turn around and let me see all of you."

I did as I was told and he whistled appreciatively again. "Stop that!" I said as I could feel myself turning red. You would think it was the first time I had ever dressed up for us going out. "Are we going?"

"Yes, ma'am. You're chariot awaits." he said with a courtly bow.

*******

As they are driving along and making small talk, Karin glances over at him drinking in his features. He was a handsome man and certainly knew how to kiss. I had certainly found a great guy.

"Well, here we are. I do hope you like it." Mike says as he stops in front of a Cape Cod style house.

The house was illuminated by strategically placed floodlights and looked very homey. There were double doors for the entrance, flanked by windows that have masses of flowers just beneath. Mike took Karin by the arm and escorted her up the path that is also bordered by flowers and the aroma of them added to the ambiance.

As they stepped inside, Karin found it is very cozy and homey. The lighting was subdued and the atmosphere very romantic. The diners all sat in separate alcoves with sliding doors that could be closed for complete privacy. Karin was surprised that Mike would have brought her to a place like this. He had never been overly romantic in that sense.

After being led to one of the booths by the maitre'd they are handed their menus and a wine list.

"Would you like to have some wine with dinner?" he asks.

"Mmmmm, yes, that would be nice."

"We do have a terrific house white here that you will enjoy." maitre'd offered.

Mike nodded his head. "That would be fine. We'll have a carafe please."

Karin looked around, taking in the scene around her. Some people were here with their families and others were either dining alone or with partners. She didn't know why but she was feeling a little nervous and she hoped that the wine would settle her nerves a bit.

"This certainly is a lovely spot. They must do very well here. It's almost like being at home. Homey yet stylish."

"Yes, it is. John's parents own this place." Mike said. John was a friend of ours. "Their parents lived in this house and when they died, they decided to renovate and open it up as a restaurant."

Just then the waiter came with their wine and took their dinner orders. The talk turned to more general conversation and as they were finishing their first glass of wine their dinner arrived. Plates of bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, escargot in garlic butter and pasta primavera.

A short while later, the table cleared another glass of wine.

"This is really nice." I said again. "We'll have to come back here again. I'm glad John recommended this place to you."

Just then a trio of musicians appeared and wandered over to our table. I recognized the tune. It was 'Lady in Red' and happened to be one of my favorite songs. It was the first dance that Mike and I had ever danced to.

Mike stood up and held out his hand. "May I have the pleasure of this dance, special lady?" he asked with a low bow.

I laughed as I got up and we danced to the song. It was over much too soon. It was so nice to be held by the man I loved and I didn't want this night to end. It had been so wonderful. After making sure that I was seated, I was surprised again as he got down on one knee in front of me.

"Karin, I have something to ask you." he said as he looked into my eyes. He reached into his pocket and took something out. By this time I thought I knew what was happening and I couldn't help but get a few tears in my eyes. "I love you with all my heart and I am here on bended knee asking you if you will consider being my wife."

I could feel the tears overflowing and running down my cheeks and all I could do was mutely nod my head yes. He then took the ring out of the jewelers box and slipped it on my finger. It fit perfectly. Pulling me up to my feet he then gave me the sweetest kiss to seal our engagement.

All of a sudden we heard a round of applause. The other diners had all realized what was happening and had waited for my answer. The maitre'd came over with a bottle of champagne and told us it was compliments of the house.

******

Later, laying in bed together, he told me that he hadn't been sure I would say yes. When I asked him why, he told me because it had been such a public proposal. Little did he know me...

.... that was 20 years ago.

The end