THE PROPOSAL

It was a typical Thursday evening in August and Matt and Marisa had plans to go to a usual weekday summer spot - A movie in Brooklyn Bridge park. The sky was turning gray as Marisa was running errands when Matt called to say he was home from work early. He said to come home because he had a better plan than the movies.

With no make up on, a house dress covered with Baci hair and sweating from the humidity, Marisa arrived home. Matt quickly entered the living room with a suitcase and said "Pack your bags, we're going on a trip". Marisa was actually looking forward to spending the evening on the couch. She didn't understand why they would be going on a trip, since they just spent the weekend on the North fork. So she smiled, "Aww, thanks but nah, we were just away!". Getting suspicious, Marisa asked where they were going. He wouldn't tell! "Hurry up, we have an hour before we need to leave." Only being told the weather and to bring a few outfits, Marisa was left to stress about all the details she didn't know!

So they hoped in a taxi and Matt told the driver to take them to JFK. Excitement set in for Marisa. Or, really, it was nerves. Good thing she packed the Xanax! They arrived at the terminal and saw signs for Virgin Atlantic, Delta, American. Marisa thought "LA, Barcelona, Rome, Buenos Aires....?" They got on line for XL Airways. Marisa doesn't like flying (even though she does a lot of it for work) and has rituals and superstitions about flying unknown carriers. A panic attack, most would say, occurred at that point. It was not until they arrived at the gate and it said XL Paris - Charles De Gualle did she know they were headed to the city of lights! Even with a 3 hour delay, the wine and Xanax helped Marisa keep the excitement until she passed out.

When they landed, Friday August 10th, it was the most perfect Parisian afternoon. They jumped in a cab and headed to the hotel. The taxi turned off the Champs-Élysées and pulled up to the most quintessentially French boutique hotel. In Marisa's practical mind, she couldn't help but say "I don't want to know how much this cost for the weekend!". However, that was no longer a thought when she walked into the charming room with king size bed, tapestry walls, antique furniture, shutter windows and bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub! A quick but relaxing soak in the tub for Marisa and it was time get dressed for dinner.

They cleaned up and walked about 10 minutes to a perfectly Parisian restaurant. They sat at a beautiful table facing the side street. The late day sun with views of pink and purple flowers on window sills made it all sink in for Marisa. She was finally in the moment. An exceptional and authentically French dinner with red wine came to a close and Matt said they had time for a cocktail before heading off to somewhere else. Feeling relaxed, peaceful, happy and lucky, Marisa said " We're in PARIS!" A realization probably brought out by the cocktail. Matt pulled out a map and was rotating it back and forth. Marisa took that chance to investigate a little closer. No visible box shape from his pants pocket. Tonight must not be it. Maybe he just brought her here to be spontaneous. Never mind, the sun was still out and they began their stroll through the city. They walked along the Seine River as the sun slowly set behind the Eiffel Tower. With most locals on holiday, there was a perfect breeze and most peaceful quiet that NYC has never seen.

As they passed a few bridges along the river, Marisa spotted her favorite bridge - one she takes a picture on during every visit - Pont Alexandre III. Ornate with black and gold angels and lanterns, she ran up to it and started taking pictures. From the front, from the side, "get the Eiffel tower in the background" and after about 10 minutes Matt was looking distracted. He ended the photo session and suggested they take in the city. They leaned over the side of the bridge, staring at the river, the boats going by, the Eiffel tower starting to flicker in the sunset. Matt's voice started to change as he asked a series of questions: "Can you believe we are here right now? Remember the last time we came? Wasn't that dinner great?" Marisa's heart was beating just a bit faster as this conversation started to take a more serious tone. She could only say "yea... yea... yea". He spoke about the life they have shared so far, their accomplishments as a couple and how it all has gone by so fast. Matt asked Marisa if she was happy and enjoyed the last 10 years (A rhetorical question... but a guy needs a segue, right?). With Marisa's affirmation, Matt took a step back, reached in to his pocket said "I guess there is just one more question to ask: if you'll do this with me for the rest of our lives?". He pulled out a diamond ring from his pocket, got on one knee and held the ring up to Marisa and he waited her reply. In full choked-up, hysterical ugly-cry, Marisa pushed out a "YES, OF COURSE I WILL!" He got up quickly and they hugged and cried together (Matt claims it was simply windy on the bridge). In the dark now, Marisa could see camera flashes in the background and figured it was tourists taking pictures of the Eiffel Tower. However, Matt and Marisa were the focal point as Matt introduced Marisa to the local photographer he had hired to capture the life changing moment! Tears and laughter came from the 3 of them.

They snapped some more photos and bid adieu to the photographer. With much excitement, they ran down the streets and announced in English that they were engaged! However, since proposing is not a custom in France, no Parisians knew or cared what had just happened. Regardless, they headed back to the hotel to make phone calls to family and announce it to the world of Facebook. Never mind that Marisa had accidentally made a private post to herself. So the next morning, was so sad to see no one had cared to comment! They changed clothes and headed back out. They bar hopped, celebrated with champagne and had a good old-fashioned 3 A.M. pizza before heading to sleep.

The incredibly gorgeous and perfect weather lasted through the weekend. On Saturday, they had their second photo shoot by the Eiffel Tower and shared the most lovely dinner outside a perfect bistro on a small side street. They walked up Monemarte and joined the tourists in watching street performers and the remarkable city skyline twinkling in front of them. Then, a taxi back to the hotel with a stop at the Monoprix to pick up a 10 Euro bottle of champagne. In that relaxing Jacuzzi, another perfect day ended.

Sunday, there was time for a picnic lunch in the park and a leisurely bike ride before checking out of the hotel and heading off to the airport. After the perfect amount of time, weather and romance, they were ready to get home and share the news with all. Until next time, Paris…