Monday, June 21, 2010

June 23, 1985: I could live here…

Having proposed June 14, Peter’s idea was that we marry in the fall. I wasn’t ready to commit so quickly (we’d only met in April). Besides, I was going to be much too busy to plan a wedding. I was chairing the YWCA women of the year selection process and would emcee a December award luncheon for 600 people. A few days later, I would head to Chicago, chairing three days of conference programming for college and university publications people. Both of these would require time and attention for months, on top of my busy job.

Peter pointed out that when Abby returned from her Mom's for the start of school we would have much less opportunity to see one another. With both of us so busy, our relationship might indeed fail. On the other hand, if we were together he could cook for me and give me foot-rubs while I worked on my projects. I had to admit that sounded nice.

"Why don’t I just move in?" I asked. “No,” he said. “I want my daughter to know you are special, that I respect you. You’re not moving in until we’re married.”

One night we were sitting in the living room at my house, the house I had just furnished. It had character and beauty, and it was perfect for me. It would even work for two. The living room and master bedroom were huge, and the bathroom had a long counter with two sinks, two mirrors, two sets of cabinets. But the second bedroom was tiny, and we couldn’t quite make the place work for three. Plus, it was in the wrong school district; we wanted Abby to stay in her grade school. I began to cry at the thought of leaving my house. “You know what that means, don’t you?” he said. “You’ve decided to move and you’re beginning to grieve.” I couldn’t argue with that. I let myself cry a while longer.

They lived in a townhouse in a first-ring suburb. While I hated the whole idea of townhouses and suburbs, I hadn’t yet been there! He invited me to come over on Sunday afternoon, June 23. He and Abby spent the morning cleaning and they showed me around; then he made dinner for the three of us. After she went to bed, he put on a mix tape he had just made. It started with a song about flirtation and worked its way through romance to something along the lines of let’s spend our life together.

The day was drawing to a close. “What do you think,” he asked. “Could you live here?”

The townhouse was plain; I didn’t love it. But we didn’t have to live there forever, and the question wasn’t really about the townhouse.

“Yes, I think I could live here,” I said.

The next morning at work I received orchids. I called to thank him. “Well,” he said, “It’s not every day that someone accepts my proposal of marriage.”

Omigod, I thought. What have I done?

18 comments:

Grandmother Mary said...

You have a great memory to remember so many details. I can't recall in that depth. I loved the last line when you heard what you had really done! Each love story is just so, well, lovely.

Everyday Kathy said...

So great!! I would love to hear Peter's version of the story too! Maybe you could do a he said she said for an upcoming post!!

Señora B said...

I've seen you commenting on Mr london Street so often, thought I would finally drop by and check out your blog. Great post for me to start with, will be having a look through your archives to see what I've missed.

Cheryl said...

Awwwww....

DJan said...

He was right, you know. You are very special and he cherished you from the very beginning. He knew a good thing when he saw it, and didn't stop trying. Love the story and look forward to more!

Jeanie said...

It sounds like he was very persuasive and that you were listening with your heart.

The Good Cook said...

He was right - I wish all young somethings would feel the way he did - moving in together is NOT like being married. Being married is like being married.

Far Side of Fifty said...

I love this story..I am a romantic! I would love to hear Peter's version..it is probably even more romantic than your version! :)

grammy said...

Oh dear...lol
I have another blogger friend that just remarried not to long ago...she was in her 50's ...so no easy thing.
they were taking turns staying in her house and then his....so far I haven't heard if they will just pick one. His wife died years ago...I think they should buy a totally different house.
I will be interested to see how this works for you...well or how it Did work (o:

Kat said...

I love your stories. I look forward to them, Thanks for sharing your life with us.

Unknown said...

And then... the panic sets in... LOL! Another great installment to a lovely story. Thank you for sharing it with us!

Indigo Roth said...

I'm loving this. And the man has some moves!

Darlene said...

Love your story. the last line was great!

Leah Rubin said...

Lovely! You have so much to celebrate-- congratulations, and keep the story coming!

L.

AiringMyLaundry said...

What a great story :)

injaynesworld said...

You are so much braver in love than I have ever been. But then, you've also reaped greater rewards. I'm loving these stories.

Anonymous said...

Every one of these stories touches my heart. You have a way of telling them that puts us right there. I hope you know how lucky you are. I'm sure you do!

gayle said...

I missed this while I was on vacation!! Such a sweet guy!! Love this story!!

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