Mark's POV
These past couple months have been a total whirlwind, but we pushed through everything, and here we are. And during those months, I've been thinking. I think it's time, to make the next move. That move being.... planning a proposal. Never in a million years, did I ever think that I would find the right person for me. And when Jennifer came along, I knew from the start, that she was the right girl for me. Therefore, I figured I should start planning a proposal to happen soon. I was doing some research online about the best jewelers in the D.C. area, and I think I found the right place! I found a jeweler that was rated 5 stars, and happens to be close to our place. I.Gorman Jewelers in NW D.C. Jenn's best friend Stell is still in town for a couple more days, so I figured I would take him with me while Jennifer is distracted. "Babe, I'm going to take Stell out for lunch. We'll be back in a little bit." I told her. "No worries my love, you guys enjoy yourselves." She smiled.
Now that she's distracted, Stell and I made our way out. He still has no idea what my plans are, so I figured now is the perfect time to tell him. "So Stell, I'm actually not taking you out to lunch. I'm taking you with me.... to help me find an engagement ring for Jennifer." I said to Stell. "Stop it!! Are you really going to propose?" He asked. "Yes, that is my plan!" I smiled. "When do you plan to propose?" He asked. "My idea is, sometime within the next month or so." I replied. "Ohh my gosh, I am so happy for you guys. My best friend truly deserves someone who will love her to the max, and Mark, that is all you." Stell said. "Thank you Stell, that truly means a lot to hear that from you." I replied.
------20 minutes later; at I.Gorman Jewelers------
We finally made it to the jewelers, and all the adrenaline came rushing. I was excited to finally find a ring for my girl, but nervous. Stell could tell I was feeling nervous, but gave me some words of encouragement. "You got this, Mark!" He said as he gave me a pat on my back. We walked in the store, and we were immediately greeted so kindly. "Hello guys, my name is Henson. How may I assist you today?" He replied. "Hello Henson, my name is Mark, this is my friend Stell. We're here to look for the perfect ring. I'm planning on proposing to my partner, who happens to be Stell's best friend, very soon." I smiled. "Well, you've come to the right place. I am more than happy to help you find the perfect ring for her." Henson smiled as he showed us around. After about 45 minutes of browsing, I found the one. "This one. This is the one, it's perfect. It screams her." I smiled as I pointed to the ring I wanted. It was a gold engagement ring that had diamonds on the bands & the most beautiful diamond ring at the center.
"Alrighty then, I will get the payment processed for you & we'll be on our way out of here." Henson smiled as Stell helped me with the payment process. "You know what Mark, you do so much for my best friend, I cannot thank you enough. Let me take care of this." Stell said as he gave my credit card back to me & used his card. "Stell, please don't. You do not have to do this." I replied. "Yes, I do. You do so much. You've sacrificed your time to take care of her when she was at her lowest point. You are truly so amazing, I am so blessed & thankful that you were the one who ended up with her." Stell smiled. I couldn't help but get emotional in the moment. "Stell, I'm just doing what I was meant to do. I knew I was meant for her, and I was meant to take care of her, for the rest of my life." I replied. "From the bottom of my heart, Stell, thank you so, so, so, so much!! I truly cannot thank you enough. I'm just, speechless right now." I smiled.
------Back at home------
When Stell & I got home, I sat on the couch & I couldn't help but stare at the ring the whole time. It was truly so beautiful, I just know Jennifer is going to love it. After a couple minutes went by, I heard the door open & saw my beautiful soon-to-be fiance come through the door. I didn't want to give away any hints at all, so I just played things off. "How is my beautiful girl doing?" I smiled as I kissed her cheek. "Ohh, doing alright, just super tired. Work was hella busy. There were so many tourists that came by today, like a whole flock of them." She replied. "That's insane. Well, I'm glad you're home now. I made your ultimate favorite, Baked Ziti with Extra Cheese." I said. "Oooooo gosh, you know the way to my heart, for real." She laughed as she got herself settled.
Jennifer's POV
I seriously have the sweetest boyfriend on the planet! When I got home from work, he had made me my favorite dish, Baked Ziti with Extra Cheese. I sat down with Mark at the table and we chatted about life. "So how's your work going?" I asked. "Stressful, but enjoying it." "How about you?" Mark asked. "Ohh, same old stuff every day." "It's a busy season for us right now, everything is getting hectic." I replied. "But I'm glad you had a great day!" Mark said as he set out a plate of food for me. Mark and I sat down at the table together & simply talked about life.
Mark's POV
As Jennifer and I were sitting & chatting at the table, I had the urge to ask her about what her "dream" proposal was, but I didn't want to give any hints at all. "So baby, let me ask you this. I'm asking for a friend, so he wants your opinion on it." "As a girl, what would your dream marriage proposal be?" I asked. "Hmm, that's a tough question." She laughed. "If you were to ask me, my dream marriage proposal would be, a sweet & simple place. Example being, somewhere in a garden, or in an open plain field. With a "picnic-like" setup, not too much going on." "This is also may seem like a stretch, but it would be a dream if I had my best friend, Stell, there to witness it all." She replied. "Awww, that seems really sweet. I'll definitely let my friend know what you said." I replied
