ROMANIA: Life's a dance, you learn as you go. Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow -- November 1998 (DONE)

The big day was upon me and I still felt completely unprepared.  What was wrong with me?  Perhpas I was still weary about the possibility that my entire lifestyle would change.  I wanted Desi so badly... but I was sitll wrestling with my adventurous side.  But just because we could get married doesn't mean I had to quit my job or anything.  I almost felt like I was trying to talk myself out of asking Des to marry me.  I sighed and shook my head.  We were living together... we may as well take the next step.  She was still at work and I got our flat all prepared.  I made a wonderful dinner... had some wine out.  I even lit a few candiles.  I told her to not worry about the time.  I sent her some flowers at work -- which I randomonly did so I knew that she would not think much of it until later.  I heard her key in the lock and poured us some wine.

My day had actually been pretty easy.  And it was made better hwen I received my bouquet of daisies -- my favorite -- from Charlie during the work day.  I opened hte door to the flat and smelled something delicious.  I s miled at Charlie and set my purse down.  I gave him a kiss and said, "Thank you for the lovely flowers."  I took the glass of wine from him and smiled again.  "I'll be right back out, I want to get out of my scrubs."

"Dinner will probably be done by then,' I said, putting the flowers in some water while she changed.  I didn't want to raise any suspisions so I was just wearing some jeans and one of Desi's favorite t-shirts she enjoyed me wearing.  The dinner wasn't so charming either... I made dinner a lot.  I was just nervous she'd catch on despite my efforts to keep things casual and unnoticable.

I got changed into one of Charlie's shirts that I had accidentally shrunk in the wash... so it was way too small for him but fit me comfortably.  I also slipped into a pair of my own jeans.  I came out and Charlie was dishing out dinner onto the plates.  I sat down when he did.  "This looks awesome.  Is it a new recipe?" I asked, thinking that I have never seen this meal before.

I smiled at her.  "Yep... it's supposed to be really good," I said.  I probably should have made something I knew she would like... but I had really wanted to try this.  If it was nasty, that'd be an entertaining story to tell in the grand scheme of things.  "How was work?" I asked.  I had told the clinic to take it easy on her today because of my plans.  I was assured not to worry and they would make sure she would be having a simple, easy day.

"It was really calm for me... which was odd," I said.  "Everyone was like fighting to get certain cases -- and I mean the messy or difficult ones we normally trade off on when there's a lot of them like today."  The girls had all been acting odd with me today.  I was curious as to why.

I was glad that they had kept their promise... even though I should not be surprised.  The clinic loved me.  "Aren't you lucky,' I replied playfully.

I rolled my eyes and we continued talking while we ate and drank.  When we were finished, I put the dishes in the sink and we plopped on our couch, me leaning my head on Charlie while he put his arm around me.  It was just so nice to stay like that.  "Everything alright, babe?" I asked him.  He seemed to be somewhere else.

I kissed the top of her head.  "Everything is perfect," I said.  I had just been thinking about my little speech I was trying to prepare.  I had scrapped everything because it just did not feel right.  "Actually, I have been thinking," I started out.

"Oh no... that normally ends up with some kind of exciting adventure that leads to danger," I teased, sitting so I could see him better.

I laughed and shook my head.  "It won't lead to danger, but in my opinion, it is the start of an exciting adventure," I said.  And I truly believed that this would be my best adventure yet.

Grinning, I took hold of Charlie's hand.  "Well, don't leave me hanging in suspense!" I said, playfully hitting his leg.  He always did this to me!  I had a love-hate relationship with it.

"You have already made me such a better man.  And I am grateful for that."  I took a deep breath and continued onward.  "I honestly have no idea what I would do without you," I told her.  Keeping her hand in mine, I got down on one knee.  "Desdemona Arius Quinn... will you make me the luckiest man alive and give me your hand in marriage?" I asked her, pulling out the ring Mum had given me.

I couldn't believe it.  I had tears in my eyes.  I had wondered if this day would ever come.  "Yes," I said breathlessly as he slid the ring onto my finger.  I slid onto the floor with him and kissed him.  I lvoed him so much.

I kissed her back and pulled away, keeping my hands gently on her cheeks.  "You have no idea how happy you just made me," I told her, smiling.