Danny proposed on July 10, 2000 while we were on vacation with my parents in Hilton Head, SC. The four of us spent that morning at the beach, with three of us oblivious to the excitement that was in store for us that day. When we got back from the beach, my mom and I got cleaned up while my dad and Danny talked. Danny, still covered in sand from the beach, let my dad know that he was planning to propose and asked him for his blessing. My dad was very happy for us both and the two guys talked about how exactly Danny would propose.
My mom and I were finally clean by this time and joined the guys having no idea what they had just been talking about. We left for an afternoon round of golf and my dad shared his excitement with my mom on the way to the first tee. My mom immediately started crying and ended up having to wear her sunglasses for the first few holes to hide her teary eyes. Now I was the only one left who was completely oblivious to what was going on around me.
When we finished golf, my dad suggested that we go to a restaurant called the Old Fort Pub for dinner that night. My parents had been to the restaurant before and had originally planned on taking Danny and I there that Friday. I was the only one who objected, saying that I'd rather stay home that night since it was already late and we wouldn't get to the restaurant until 9 pm or so. Luckily I changed my mind and we all went home and changed and then made our way to the Old Fort Pub.
After leaving the restaurant, Danny and I walked along the beach in the moonlight and celebrated our engagement for the remainder of the week in Hilton Head.
The restaurant, a historical marker from the Civil War, was right on the water surrounded by tall trees. It was so gorgeous. We had a wonderful dinner, even though Danny was almost too nervous to eat (imagine that!). My parents watched him anxiously and wondered exactly when he would propose. After dinner, our waitress brought out the dessert tray and placed it on the corner of the table between Danny and I. I started looking at the desserts, and wondered aloud about which one I was going to pick. Danny reached over and, from its place on a decorative
chocolate stick on one of the desserts, drew my attention to the ring. I was completely surprised and started crying as Danny got down on his knee and proposed. It was such a happy and special moment for us both, as well as for my parents and the other on-lookers in the restaurant!
