Since I was a little girl, I have always dreamed of the perfect proposal, a memory that would last a lifetime.

It was the end of August, my family, Richard and I were leaving Austin, tx to Loveland, Co where my older sister Kelly and her family resides. Richard had never been to Colorado, so the I was so happy that I could be the one to enjoy that first time memory with him. We arrived to my sisters and Richard immediately fell in love with my neices and nephews.The first few nights we stayed in and just enjoyed each others company and looked at model homes in my sisters surrounding area. It was really nice to relax and get away from it all.

We all decided to head up into the mountains of Colorado to experience the beautiful sites and to visit The Standley Hotel. So we woke up early and I was hungry, tired and in a mood. Everyone was downstairs enjoying breakfast and as I came things were silent, everyone got quiet and was looking at me. I didn’t think anything of it, I said “what are you guys looking at?” Then I went about my business.

Richard and my sister started talking about cars and Richard was telling me sister how much he really liked BMW’s and how he is going to get one some day. I of course chimed right in and said “No you are not Richard. Those cars are too expensive to maintain and you have to take your car to the dealership to get anything done to it.” “Says who? replied Richard. “Justin! He is a Airplane/Car Mechanic and I trust him, especially when it comes to cars.” The conversation starts to get a bit heated as I hard headed and Richard is stubborn. This went on for about 15 minutes, then I went upstairs to shower and get ready for the trip up to the mountains.

My sister came upstairs and sat me down on the bed. She told me how much Richard loves me and cares for me. That I needed to quit being so moody or he won’t stick around. She started telling me that I needed to apologize and make it right. She went up there also because she knew that Richard was going to take the ring up to the mountains and propose to me. So we both go downstairs and I started to apologize to Richard but then my sister says something to him and I made a comment, that for some reason made Richard even more angry with me. He went outside and shut the door. My sister and my father go outside after him and tell me to stay inside the house. Richard tells my family, I am leaving the ring home.

After that we both get into the car with my parents and both not talk for 40 minutes up the mountain, even though I tried to apologise. We get to the Standley hotel and things between Richard and I were getting better. We all had lunch and took pictures together in front of the hotel. We all went to walk around the little town and go into all the shops. Richard and I went into this one shop and I saw the most beautiful blue sapphire ring that was only $20. I told Richard that I really wanted it and he should buy it for me. He said no just wait and see Stacy. I just looked at him like what the heck, I want this darn ring, it’s only $20. So, I followed him out of the store and pouted a little bit. We all come up to this horse and carriage. I really wanted to go on it, so we asked the woman when the next ride was and how much was it. She said she was done for the day but if we wanted to go for a ride there is a place down in Fort Collins that has a dessert afterwards for two included in the package at 7pm. That sounded perfect but we checked the time and it was 6:15pm and it was a 40 minutes ride down the mountain. We were both so disappointed, so we all just headed home.

We arrived home and got into our pajamas. We all sat in the living room chatting for a bit. My sister was asking Richard about what his definition of being romantic was and before he could answer I said he was not very romantic. Then that started another tiff. Apparently I was on a roll this trip. It actually happened to be that lady time of the month and it was not a good one at that and I am sure that the lack of oxygen made things worse since I was staying on the third floor. Still, I had no idea that my family and Richard had this entire proposal planned out.

The next morning we packed our bags and headed to the airport. My sister decided to make a stop to this African museum to show us around. We all got out and walked around, took pictures. Richard and my father walked a head. We finally caught up to them and them my mother told us to walk up to the bridge and take a picture together. Richard and I walk up the bridge and I am looking at the camera. He gets behind me and tells me to look across the way, so I look and I see nothing but trees. He says “ You know I love you right? Don’t turn around.” At that point, I knew exactly what was about to happen. He tells me to turn around and as I turn around he is down on one knee, asking me to marry him. Of course I said yes! Richard was so nervous, I was so happy and embarrassed that my family was all there recording it. I gave him a big hug and kiss.

I could not believe that my entire family knew that Richard had planned to do this and my daughter even was able to keep it from me. They all got me really good. I am truly happy that I was able to share such a special moment with my family.