Love is never mundane, even in the most mundane situations.
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*From that first look, and the “Hello” that follows, to the moment when you know — it’s an evolution that never ceases to captivate custom jewelry designer Jacqueline Stone. When clients come to her to design their engagement ring, she asks them to share the moments that brought them to THAT moment, when they knew they had to ask the question, “Will you marry me?” and when they knew the answer was “YES!”
Our series, “The Evolution of Love” is a group of true love stories told through the eyes of someone who is in the business of love.
HER STORY
I walk in after a bikam yoga class. Smelly, sweaty, euphoric. You’re reading on the couch. A shy smile spreads across your lips, “You’re so beautiful.”
I crack open an eye to hear you rustling around in the kitchen and throw a pillow over my head.
“Knock, knock.” you whisper as a hot cup of coffee is placed on the bed stand.
The tears are flowing like a river. The pain is overwhelming. How could this happen? My best friend, my confident, my source of unconditional love is gone. You walk into the room, pick me up and cradle me in your arms. You pad quietly into the bathroom, sit me down and start running hot water for a bath. You know there are no words that could bring my grandmother back to me.
It’s my birthday. I wake up to your sweet melody and flurry of kisses. A little box is passed my way, carefully wrapped. Inside? Beautifully crafted love coupons that I can redeem any time I want.
The long distance is getting to us. We’re running late and out of breath. The train pulls up as we arrive, you jump aboard and right before the doors slam shut you wave and call out “I love you!” for the very first time.
We’re at a bar chatting quietly among the din of the room. You leave for the bathroom and immediately a man enters my space. He’s drunk and slurring inappropriate and condescending words. You return, carefully survey the scene, and ask him to come outside. I watch you help him into a cab and throw the driver a $20.
We’re at my aunt’s home for the family barbeque. I lose you among the crowd. All of a sudden a roar of giggles lets loose. You are surrounded by a pack of joyful children. Your funny face-off competition is getting fierce.
It’s another grueling 12 hour day and I’m hangry as there was no time for lunch. I get off the elevator and a delicious aroma wafts through the air. I fumble with the keys and barrel through the door. You’re half naked in an apron and the room is lit aglow in romantic candlelight. “Welcome home grumpy. How was your day?”
We’re walking quietly along the promenade holding hands. You are unusually quiet and your palms feel sweaty. “Love, are you feeling ok?”
You tug on my hand and swirl me into your arms. You kiss me passionately and we finish in a fit of laughter. It’s your favorite move because you know it always makes me smile. Your gaze is unwavering as you murmur, “Close your eyes.”
I’m instructed to open them up again and find you down on one knee. A gleaming ray of light cradled in your palm catches my attention, but my eyes never waiver from yours. My heart is racing, the tears are softly streaming down my face and I try to soak in each and every magical word that floats from your lips. It crescendos, “Will you marry me?”
I kneel down and put my hand on your face. We are both crying now. “Yes.” It’s always been yes.
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Photo: Flickr/Evo Flash