On August 1st my family, Dylan, and I went out to dinner. The evening
went wonderfully, there was good food and good company. The family will
be spending Thanksgiving in Indiana, which is just one sign of how much
my family has accepted and likes Dylan. It's good that they like him,
because.... we're engaged!

For months now we have talked about our desire to be married. We often
discuss the family we want to have together and how much we anticipate
my move to Indiana to be with him. Dylan finally popped the question on
the evening of my 21st birthday.

As I was blowing out my birthday candle, I made the wish that he would
propose that night. I've been so eager to make this next big move.
We've been talking and planning on getting married next Spring/Summer,
but there wasn't a ring and there wasn't a proposal. As I finished
making that wish, a foolish wish in my mind, because there was no way
he had a ring on him. And he had said he wanted to do this grand
gesture and surprise me. I'd been with him the whole time he'd been
here and we only went shopping to try rings on. He said to me, "What
did you wish for?" I laughed and told him it was my secret, but then
the look in his eyes changed and he said, "Will you make my wish come
true and become my wife?" as he was down on one knee. I squealed with
delight and utter shock and hugged and kissed him. I was so surprised!
He was holding one of the two rings we both absolutely loved. It's so
beautiful.

I'm still in shock. I will glance down at my left hand and suddenly
remember that feeling of surprise and absolute love. I've never been so
in love or so happy in my entire life. There is no set date for my move
to Indiana or the wedding, but we're working on it. We're also enjoying
this time we have together for the next week. The only set goals as for
dates are for me to be in Indiana by January to start Spring term at
IUSB and we'll likely be married in Spring/Summer of next year.

***squeee!***

The best part of all of this is how much my family has accepted Dylan.
This was the first time they met him and they loved him! Plus, even
though my parents knew of Dylan's intentions to marry me, he asked
Daddy's permission anyways. AND my Dad was holding the ring in his
pocket during dinner for Dylan. Things could not have been more
perfect. :)

-- Ashley

=========
~~AC.
http://www.marykay.com/ashleymc