Wow, seems like it was so long ago, but really it was just back in February...
Derek asked if I could skip my exercise class next Saturday so he could take me on a day trip. I hesitated for a few different reasons, but eventually (thankfully) agreed. We went down to get coffee and a muffin that morning at our favorite local coffee shop and started heading south. We ended up at Monterey Aquarium, a place I've been wanting to go, and Derek's been wanting to take me, since we started dating. We took our time walking through and I took a bazillion pictures of jellyfish and such. He must have been sweating bullets. After that, we went to lunch in Carmel and I will say, he seemed a bit distracted...but I blamed it on the great dane sitting at the table next to us. We had dinner reservations later so had some time on our hands. Derek suggested driving up to Pebble Beach so he could say "HI" to his dad. Michael is Derek's dad and he passed away almost 10 years ago. His ashes are scattered off the 18th green at Pebble. I never got to meet him but have heard so many wonderful stories. We arrived at the golf course, get out of the car, and Derek goes into the backseat to "grab his beanie in case it gets cold." Derek never gets cold. But, clueless me just heads for the pro shop to get some souvenirs. After 20 or so minutes of hemming and hawing over golf shirts...and a call to my Dad (who knew it was "the" day but managed to keep it under wraps), I made the purchases and we headed out to the course. We walked out to the 18th, they were setting up the grandstands for the Pro-Am the next week, and stood there looking out at Monterey Bay. It's such a magical place. Derek asked me to put my bags down, which I of course questioned (what a pain I am!), told me how much he loved me and then...
D - "Tell me you love me."
H - "I love you." (with a big smile)
D - "Tell me you'll spend the rest of your life with me."
H - "Of course..." (now suspicious)
D - "Prove it."
Derek then dropped to his knee and produced the most beautiful engagement ring and asked for my hand in marriage. I, of course, said yes. The rest of the evening involved making phone calls, checking in at Spanish Bay, cocktails (namely dirty martini's) while listening to the bagpiper, dinner at Roy's, champagne and lots of love. I have to give it to Derek - he really surprised me and planned the perfect day. It was so meaningful and fitting to be asked to be a part of the Berry family off the 18th hole at Pebble Beach. Derek wanted his Dad to be a part of us and now that spot is something that I feel a very special bond with along with the rest of his family. I may have never met Michael, but I feel connected. I love that. I love Derek.
