he+she

he told her to be ready at 5.
she curled her hair, and slipped into her red dress.
she was so looking forward to this date with him.
(he just came home from africa 2 days earlier)

at 5 pm, a knock on her door.  not his car, but a town car was parked in her driveway.  she got very nervous and her mom had to convince her that it was ok...
the driver handed her an envelope that said "Number One."  the envelope contained a note that explained how sorry he was for being gone for 6 weeks in africa, again, and served as the first clue in her scavenger hunt.
number one sent her to the park where she first heard him say "i love you." in the exact spot was a red balloon waiting for her with "Number Two."  there was yet another heartfelt note recalling specific moments of that perfect spring day two years ago, and another clue.
number two sent her to the top of the parking garage, where they had their very awkward first kiss.  there she found two red balloons and "Number Three" attached.
so far, each note has made her heart race, and eyes well up.  she keeps hoping he will come out from his hiding spot because she just wants to be with him.
by now, she is thinking "this is the best apology. i don't know how he will top this when he proposes"
 "Number Three" sent her to the school campus where they met, and their relationship grew from friends to best friends, to soul mates.  three red balloons were in the spot where he first saw her during their first semester. (she didn't see him)
she still thinks it is the best apology to date, and is getting very anxious to see him and kiss him.
"Number Four" made her burst into tears.  the emotions, details, and love that he put into these letters is overwhelming, and she just. can't. handle. it.
she got instructions to call him, and go to the place where they had their first date (also their favorite resturant.)
he stood waiting as the car pulled up.  they hugged, kissed, and grinned until their faces hurt.  he asked her to go on a walk because "they were early for their reservation."
they walked, and talked, she just chattered mostly, because he was nervous and had a dry mouth.

she had to pee and was getting restless sitting on a bench for so long "talking." she was relieved when he finally said it was time for their dinner reservations.
but before she could get very far, he stopped her. 

he told her how much he loved her and reiterated the things he said in the notes from her scavenger hunt. Then he started talking about how ready he was to marry her. Her heart starting beating louder and louder to the point where she couldn't hear him anymore. 

he was on one knee. saying something. Is this it? Did she just hear "clancy, will you marry me?"

she cried. and replied with "of course!"  and cried some more. (she should have worn waterproof mascara!!)

They embraced and walked up the hill. at the top, she saw the photographers that had been following her the whole evening. And she cried more. 

since that wasn't already more than she could handle in one day, he asked her to turn around. And there were their parents, walking with huge grins and glistening eyes. She ran with arms open to her mom, kissed her daddy, and excitedly greeted her future mother and father-in-law the whole time fighting more tears, and showing off that new ring of hers.

The six of them walked into their favorite restaurant for a celebratory dinner.

And so started a lifetime of celebration for her and her lover. They now anxiously plan their wedding day as they dream about what the rest of their lives will look like together.