The Switch!

It was really easy to decide I wanted to marry my girlfriend, Jennifer. I think I had known from the first night I met her. (just be certain, I had waited over a year before finally popping the question -- you never know she might a real lunatic)

I had picked up the ring weeks before a family vacation. I planned on aking her to marry me while down in Florida with the whole family. They could share in the joy and besides that, it would save on phone calls.

I carefully hid the ring in my luggage and began to formulate a plan to pop the question. (I know what you are thinking...the ring got lost or she tossed it out).

On arrival, that evening I recovered the ring from hiding and approached Jen about going for a walk. Nervously, I asked her about doing a walk....and she said no. I asked to atleast walk down to the ocean and take a look around...she said no. I could not even get her to walk out on the deck. So, I hid the ring and decided to wait for the next night.

We were doing a big family dinner, so I recovered the ring and brought it with me to dinner, thinking maybe the opportunity will present itself at dinner.

We had to wait for our table, so a bunch of us went to the arcade next door for some pinball and skeeball. We played, laughed, and my brother convinced me to do this "virtual roller coaster". Basically, you climb into this big sphere with TV and it spins all around. You have to empty your pockets to do the ride. Well, I couldn't part with the ring, so I palmed it. Oh boy, was that tough! This roller coaster throws you all around!! The ring was embedded in my hand. However, I did not loose it. When we got our table and ate, the food was sooooo good I forgot all about the ring. (this place had all you can eat crab legs -- and they were awesome!) anyhow...

I decided to try the midnight walk idea. This time Jen decided to come along. So, we held hands and walked out. As I held her hand I slipped off her previous ring...a small aquamarine and asked to look at it. As I slid it off her hand, she punches me and accuses me off "ripping the skin off her finger". Irrate, she begins to move away from me. Well, I switch the aquamarine with the diamond and wait for her to ask for the ring back. Finally, asks for the ring and I slip on the diamond. We continue to walk for about 3 steps and she realizes the switch...

I got down on one knee. Popped the question. She says yes. We get married soon afterward.

(you know if she would have hit just a little bit harder - I don't think I would have done the switch. just kidding).

Dennis Macke, St. Louis