My Version... Part 2

As we headed towards our destination, Liz guessed where we were heading- a trip to see The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre in London. It is my favourite show to go and see, and I was hoping that it would be just as special in the eyes of Elizabeth. The tickets we got were perfect, apart from a foreign family who sat behind us chatting during a large proportion of the opening act! But this was my night with my Liz; it wasn’t going to ruin it for me. The seats made us feel like we were part of the show, with a huge elephant, hyenas, and birds flocking past us.

After the great production we headed in the direction of Trafalgar Square, which in the evening looks very beautiful and this night was fairly secluded. As we walked around, I would stop and tell Elizabeth that I loved her very much and that she means the world to me. Despite the facet we had recently been talking and praying about marriage, and it was obvious to both of us that the time was nearing when we no longer used “if’s” about our future together- these were not intended to be “fake proposals”, although looking back I can see where these assumptions may have come from. So when I blunted stated “let’s go home now” the reaction of disappointment and annoyance that Liz showed was not immediately detected.

When the time had come for us to part ways for the evening, something was clearly wrong when Liz said she wouldn’t let me know when she was home because “her phone was already off”.

The following day had many opportunities to mess with my grand plan. The weather would not decide if it would rain, or be dry, sunny, or cloudy- contingency plans were needed in abundance.

I had arranged for one of our close friends to meet Liz for a “walk” around a lovely lake called Little Britain that is very picturesque and quiet during the days. Now, if it had rained, I had arranged for a friend to come and pick me up in his car (I couldn’t drive as my sling was still being worn) and for us to pick up a gazebo (kind of a tent without any sides). If it had rained, it would have been down to a newly engaged Liz to put away for me. I also briefed Louise to be stubborn about going for a walk, no matter what the weather.

I had text Liz numerous times during the morning, suggesting we should meet for lunch, but to no avail. No response from Liz meant she was still mad at me. Perfect. She had no idea about the impending question.

I arrived at the lake about half an hour before Liz’s due arrival time (although I assumed it would be more like 45 minutes, given Liz’s usual timing!), wearing my best suit and shirt, and set up a lovely picnic including candle, champagne and strawberries and pomegranate juice- her favourite! With my bible in tow, I set about reading Proverbs 31 and prayed.

(This is the view of where I proposed)

Liz arrived on time, and I had taken up my hiding place behind a set of trees beside the car park and waited a few minutes. Nothing. I received and text from Liz stating that yes, we could meet up for lunch when she’s done. I came out form my hiding place and went over to Liz’s car to open it for her. All she could say was “You’re ridiculous”. With a great deal of satisfaction- knowing that she never ever suspected this to happen- I lead her over to the picnic and stuttered through how great Liz is and how much I love her, for getting key words along the way which Liz had to say instead! I got down on one knee (creating a huge wet patch on my best suit trousers) and asked Liz to marry me!! With a great deal of embarrassment, she asked me to stand, accepted and gave me a hug- we were there for quite a while, laughing, and Liz was crying. Liz. Crying. To those who know her- this just doesn’t happen!

So, that’s my version! I am now the happiest man in the world. I get to marry a woman of God who is so perfect for me in every way. I get to spend the rest of my life with Elizabeth soon-to-be Brown!