The moments that create a lifetime commitment — sometimes they just sneak up on you.
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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.
HIS STORY
You’re lying there asleep and I’m watching you breathe softly as the sunlight hits your face. There’s no one else in the world. I’m here. Fully present. You bring me into the now. Into the sun. Into peace.
The puppy got scared and threw up all over the kitchen floor. You scoop him up and cover him with kisses and softly murmur, “It’s okay”.
We lock eyes and smile deeply. Crystal clear connection without a word. You’re off to comfort him while I break out a broom.
It’s 2:00 a.m. The phone rings. The devastating grief rips through me like a hot saw. I can’t breathe.
You grab me. Cradle me in your arms. You let me sob and hiccup and get snot all over your shirt. You feed me. You bathe me. You tuck me in for a few hours rest.
We’re walking along the shoreline our hands intertwined as the water crashing along the rocky shore offers the sweet serenity of nature’s heartbeat. You stop and touch my face. We make out like teenagers in the hot noon sun with cold crisp water nibbling at our feet. This is bliss.
I grab you and hold you close like a tamer with his tiger until your adrenaline wears off, the tears run down your cheek and you quietly whisper, “I’m scared.”
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The competition is on and we’re tied in the latest match of the game. The razzing is getting ridiculous and the fits of giggles more intense. You make the winning move. I grab you and tickle you senseless. We’re out of breath laughing. You say “I love you.” I say it right back as we kiss passionately into a fit of joyful tears.
I crack open the door and find you sitting quietly on the couch. Your look is solemn. I feel the elephant climb upon my chest as my knees get weak. “I got in, I’m going to Paris.”
The nervous laughter turns into soft kisses all over your shoulder, neck and face. “We’ll figure it out,” I say. “We’re in this together. I’m so proud of you.”
You’re yelling and throwing expletives like daggers. “It’ll never work” you scream. I grab you and hold you close like a tamer with his tiger until your adrenaline wears off, the tears run down your cheek and you quietly whisper, “I’m scared.”
The bags are packed and we are ready to go. The Eiffel Tower will be our perfect backdrop. The nausea and sweat pours in like waves. You know something’s up and sit me down on the couch, “What’s wrong?”
I feel the world whirling around me like a tilt-a-wheel.
“Wait here.” I go into the bedroom and tear open my suitcase to find my treasure.
I get down on one knee and speak directly from my heart. My words are crystal clear. My final question hangs buoyantly in the air: “Will you marry me?”
The moment is now. The answer is yes. For us, it always has been.
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Photo: Flickr/Zoltán Vörös