Memoirs of a Martin: BBQ & Starbucks: A Perfect Evening

The last saturday in February, Ryan and I got engaged after 3 fabulous years of dating-hood. I just hijacked the story from our wedding website (http://www.thefuturemartins.com/). So pardon the weird formatting.

The morning of February 27, 2010 Ryan and I were hanging out before we went our separate ways for the day. I was going to go get my hair cut and Ryan was going to College Station for the UT/A&M basketball game with his good friend JT. Afterwards we were supposed to go up to Lake Conroe to visit my parents as we hadn't seen them since the middle of January.

During our hour or so together I chose to remind Ryan why I am so special by giving him a hard time about my theories on why we would never get engaged. Knowing I would have to eat all my words later in the day, Ryan decided to have fun with this. He said, "it could be today!" I quickly shot this down by tactfully saying, "Yeah right- you're going to that stupid game." I also informed him that he and Jen (my best friend) could never pull off surprising me because I knew that they'd start acting weird.

I headed off to my hair appointment and Ryan headed off to College Station (I thought... he actually went staight to my parent's house). The game ended before my hair appointment and Ryan texted me that he'd beat me to my parents' house. I texted him and told him I was on my way there so that he and my parents would know to get ready for dinner (we were supposed to go out). When I was getting close Ryan texted me that they were in the backyard. I helpfully responded, "okay- well the lady messed up my hair so I need to straighten it." He informed me I should come out to the backyard to say hi first.

I walked into the house, plopped my bags down and walked outside with Starbucks in hand. I was semi-surprised to see Ryan dressed up by the pool with white roses in hand. However, I didn't put it all together just yet. I was thinking- man, he must feel bad about our conversation earlier. His opening line was, "We aren't going to dinner tonight." I was thinking- that really sucks because I'm starved. He quickly followed that with, "instead we are going to have brisket, chicken, sausage, beans... " (I may exaggerate slightly but he named a looot of menu) I was thinking- he is uber excited about this food but still wasn't putting all the pieces together. Then Ryan said - "and I invited Jen and Brendan to come up." I was thinking- weird because I just talked to her and she's going to her parents' house. Ryan said, "and my parents." I was thinking- well, we talked about maybe doing that but thanks for the zero warning. (I was pretty clueless for as smart as I'd proclaimed myself earlier in the day).

Then Ryan said - "and do you want to know the best part?" At this point I finally got it and began bawling and saying thank you more than any one person should ever say thank you. Ryan then said a bunch of sweet things that I don't remember as well as I'd hope and I'm sure you don't care to hear. He dropped down on his knee and asked if I'd marry him. I'd like to say I said yes but I think I was still just saying thank you. The yes was implied... and reiterated after the fact.

For those of you visually following this storyline, you realize we have a bouquet of roses Ryan later informed me I was holding uncomfortably close to his face, my half finished Starbucks cup and a ring box. Three hands need to be involved in putting a ring on someone's finger. Ryan's cat-like reflexes and problem-solving nature kicked into high gear and he took my Starbucks out of my hand and launched it into his future in-laws' yard. What a renegade, right?

Ryan then pointed out that my parents had been watching from the balcony and had taped the whole thing (Starbucks moment included). After being alarmed about my un-straightened hair situation, I was so thankful that they had. I can now relive the moment whenever I want.

Then we went inside and video chatted with my sister who was in Ukraine.

Then Ryan's family, Shawna, Austin, Jen and Brendan came up to the lake and we ate "brisket, chicken, sausage, beans..." and celebrated. It combined all the things I love- Ryan, family, friends and the lakehouse I already have so many priceless memories at. It was the most perfect night of my life.