Ben told me we had a dinner to go to for the bank on Saturday, July 30th and that we would be picking up an executive with the bank before heading to the dinner. At first I didn't think a thing of it as this was just all part of the banking business. There were dinners...entertaining clients etc. Mind you I had only realized any of this about Ben's profession in, literally, 4 weeks...but still didn't think much about it.
I had to buy a dress..shoes, etc which again was just part of it as I didn't have dresses like that as it just wasn't part of my life working at Benefit Planners. Sheri, a dear friend, helped me dress shop...and me being me...drilled her relentlessly. I was the kid that searched for Christmas presents, Easter presents and birthday presents. I am now that kid all grown up. It seems that piece of me as a child didn't. I grilled my mom but neither would spill the beans.
There were a few occasions I heard Ben "talking" to the bank exec he was going to pick up. Though it seemed he was talking to himself...I still didn't really question it. I think I thought I would have more to worry about if this man I had only known for 4 weeks was talking to himself ...or to an imaginary colleague vs a real colleague.
I found a simple black dress...at White House Black Market...got my heels there as well. I was ready for an evening with Ben and his work colleagues...so I thought.
Ben told me to be ready by 6pm that he would pick me up at the house, in the limo that he had to rent because we were picking up a bank exec, and that he would have the bank exec with him. Well he arrived right on time...because Ben is never late...anywhere...ever!
I walked out to the limo, got in, and no bank exec. That is when I really started to question what might be going on. So much so it was like the elephant in the limo...I was too anxious and apprehensive to ask him why the exec wasn't in the limo. None the less...some time down the road I did finally ask and he said the man went ahead to the hotel and we were just going to pick him up there. Ok.... I could tell Ben was a little nervous ...as was I. I thought this could be the night and this man has gone through all of this trouble to make the evening one I wouldn't forget....hmmmm....maybe.
We arrived at what was the Watermark Hotel. A beautiful hotel on the river walk downtown. We went in and Ben went to the front desk where he picked up an envelope. We got on the elevator and came to a door...the bank execs hotel room door.....so I thought. Ben handed me the envelope which contained keys and asked me to open the door. What?!?!?!? You want me to open a man's door that I don't know. I was super suspicious at this point but did think...what if I am wrong and there is a man in there and we are walking in his room unannounced?? Ben knocked..said hello..I think even said the man's name. I walked in......
There were candles lit everywhere and a walkway lined with hershey kisses....like those I gave to him on our second date. There was a sign sitting on the arms of a chair that said, "now that I have kissed the ground you walk on will you marry me"....oh that man has a way with words. I turned around to find my sweet Ben on one knee with a ring box opened and a beautiful ring sitting inside. He asked me to be his wife and I could not say yes fast enough! I was over the moon!! It wasn't that we didn't know this is where we were going or heading...it was the planning..the effort..the love put into making this a night we would not ever forget...all for me..for us.
I immediately called my parents..who knew!! They were waiting by the phone! I think I called Sheri but can't remember. Ben did have Sheri and Holleron (her boyfriend at the time..and my dentist)....and Trent and Kirby (his girlfriend at the time) waiting for us at Ruth's Chris downtown for dinner to celebrate this joyous event! It was a surprise and a great one!
We spent the evening at the Watermark..had massages the next day and just basked in the joy of what was the beginning of the rest of our lives. It didn't start the day we got married...it started ...really the day we met. Ben says he told Joseph as they left Midnight Rodeo that night we met..."I am going to marry that girl". Its hard for me to comprehend him saying that..or anyone saying that...but...he did and he did.
