But today, just two days later, the only thing that sticks out in my mind about that day is the street corner and those sparkling lights. 

You see, Brooke loves sparkling lights. She loves sparkly things, colorful things, shiny things, all of it—it’s very adorable to see her eyes light up at something as simple as a blinking safety light on a dog’s collar. So, from the moment I knew I wanted to propose, I knew I wanted sparkly lights. You know, to help my cause. 

I’d had the ring in my pocket all day. Well, ever since the very-pushy jeweler sold it to me that morning. I was so nervous I was going to lose it that I started wearing it on my pinkie. And when it wasn’t on my pinkie it was locked in its case in my jacket pocket. 

It was a rainy day, yes, but I couldn’t stop smiling. 

Even as I was climbing the hill up to Brooke’s parents house. I was soaking wet and beat from the trek, but I wanted them to know beforehand. We had a drink, chatted, and hugged before her dad reminded me, “you know? She still has to say yes.” 

We had a nice laugh, but it was true. And that’s when the nerves kicked in a little. 

But, my god, if I know anything, it’s that we are just … right together.

She’s just … perfect. 

And just the right blend of dork and nerd and normal.

So, yes, there were nerves. But it was more like, “wow this is a big moment” nerves rather than, “wow, she is going to say no and I’m going to be on a flight back to Arkansas” nerves.

As I was walking home through the city, I took some detours looking for some sparkly lights and romantic street corners. It took a while, but I found just the place. 

And after dinner, we went for a walk. She had no idea that my heart and mind were racing. After a few minutes, though, I got calm. We were walking and laughing and holding hands. 

It was 11:00 p.m. and the city was asleep. The rain had stopped a couple hours before and everything was like it had been in my head. We had Vancouver all to ourselves.

I stopped on the street corner and stood in front of her. A raccoon 15 feet away looked at us, gave me a wink, and kept on going about his night. 

I kissed her forehead.

“I told you I was downtown all day working, but that’s not entirely true.” 

She looked a little confused. 

“I was actually running around, shopping, and then I spent some time with your parents.”

Then she looked really confused. 

And that’s when I got on my knee. 

I don’t remember exactly what I said. My heart was beating out of my chest. It was probably super romantic. Like probably the most romantic thing you’ve ever heard probably. Like, really sweet and romantic. 

But I do know that I said, “Will you marry me?” and slid the ring on her finger before she could say anything. 

I saw tears in her eyes but waited for her to say yes before I jumped up and hugged her. 

And she did. 

She said yes.

And, she’s perfect.

It’s going to be a good life, Brooke. 

And I can’t wait.