"Katie, I have something very important I need to ask you." he said.
I'm scared. What was he doing? What was going on?
Joe got down on one knee and took a little black box out of his pocket. The last time he had a box like that, it held the promise ring I was wearing now.
"Katie Marie Campion, I have loved you since I first saw you. You are the most beautiful girl I have ever met and you're heart is pure gold. I can't think of any other woman I would rather spend the rest of my life with than you. You're strength inspires many. You're heart cares for many. You're soul sees many. You saw me. Straight through everything I put up. A little over six months ago, I gave you a promise ring. I promised that I would always love you and that one day I would ask you to be my wife. Well that day has come. So Katie Marie Campion, will you do me the honor of being my wife?" he asked.
I had tears flowing down my cheeks. "Yes. Yes I'll be your wife." I cried.
Joe put the ring on my finger and stood up hugging and kissing me. Everyone clapped and that's when I was pulled back to reality. Sika, Lisa, uncle John, my dad and my mom were all around us waiting for a hug. I guess I really was worried for nothing.
***
Joe and I were back in our hotel room spending some time together. "So this is what you've been doing for the past few days?" I asked.
"Yeah. I wanted it to be perfect and I wanted it to be a surprise." he said.
"You had me thinking you were cheating on me." I chuckled.
"I would never do that. You're too precious and too perfect to cheat on you. If I did that I'd be downgrading. You're the best that it gets." he said.
"So the whole shopping thing was all your idea?"
"Yeah. I even told Nikki I'd text her when I was ready for you to come back."
"So everyone knew about this?" I asked.
"Yeah. Even Jon. He told me it was hard for him to lie to you. I'm sorry for that." he said.
"It's okay. I honestly wasn't expecting everyone to be there."
"I know. But it made it more special. The more people that knew the more special it seemed. I mean, it would be special even if it was just me and you but with everyone there witnessing me proclaiming my love for you, it was an amazing moment. One we'll remember for the rest of our lives."
I got off the bed and walked up to him. I put my arms around his waist and looked up. "I love you. I'm so in love with you it hurts. When you're away, my heart aches for you and for your touch. When I'm with you, I always want more of you. I still can't believe that I got an amazing man like you in my life."
"I love you too." he said.
We kissed for what seemed like forever and then pulled away.
"We're having dinner tonight with the families. Mine and yours. I know yours isn't as big but I figured it would give everyone a good chance to get to know each other." he said.
"I want Jon there." I paused. "He's like family to me. He's helped me through a lot and I want him to be there tonight. He deserves to be there."
"Okay. So we'll make it our families and Jon." he said.
"Thank you. For everything. For your help with my dad and getting me to visit my uncle. I don't know what I would do without you." I said.
"Me either. You're my rock and I'm completely head over heels in love you with you. That will never change."
***
At dinner there was pleasant conversation and plenty of getting to know each other. I just kept watching Jon. He needed to know how very important he was to me and how I love him so much.
I turned to Joe. "I'll be right back." I said.
"Okay." he said.
We kissed and then I stood up. I tapped Jon on the shoulder and bent down to his ear. "Can I talk to you?" I asked.
He looked at me. "Sure." He got up and followed me out to the entrance area. "What's up?" he asked.
"I know that since I started dating Joe, I haven't had much time for you and I want to apologize for that." I said.
"Katie, you don't have to...."
"No. I do. Jon you're my best friend. Nothing and nobody could ever take your place. Not even Joe. You've helped me through so much more than I ever thought possible. When I pictured my life and I thought about what kind of friends I would have, I honestly didn't picture you. Because I never thought I was good enough to have a wonderful friend like you but you have showed me that I am so much more than I believe. You have instilled confidence in me that I didn't have before I met you. I just have to thank you for everything you've done for me. And everything you've done for Joe and I. It means everything and I just have to let you know that. I love you." I said.
"Katie, you were wonderful before I met you. Maybe hanging out with me gave you a little more confidence but you were amazing all by yourself. You gained a lot of confidence once you started sticking up for yourself. I didn't do anything. You did. And don't worry about not spending much time with me. I completely understand. I mean, Joe's a wonderful guy and I'm happy for you. If your happiness means I sacrifice my time with my friends, then so be it. Your happiness means more to me than that. I love you too." he said.
We hugged and then walked back in to the table and sat down. "Everything okay?" Joe asked.
"Everything's perfect." I said looking at Jon smiling.
