The Miracle of Change

The night was cold and the air was crisp. There could have been a storm going on and it still would have been the best day of my life. I was driving downtown with Nancy to celebrate our four year anniversary. What Nancy doesn't know is that I have a huge surprise for her.

It's been four amazing years and I couldn't be happier. We met our first year in college and have been attached at the hip ever since. I remember the first time I saw her. She was late for class and literally ran me over in the process. She was dressed in her pajamas and her light brown hair was braided. She had no makeup on but looked more beautiful than ever. When she turned to apologize to me and looked me in the eyes, I think we both knew that it was fate. At first she was hesistant to start a relationship so early in her college life, but after spending time with me she couldn't resist the connection that we had. Four years and two degrees later, we are happily enjoying our careers and living in a nice condo in New York. I'm a real estate agent for the top firm in the city and Nancy is the best nurse at St. Burkes hospital.

We reach the restaurant and I suddenly feel nervous. It's uncomfortable to me because it's not a feeling that I get often. There has only been three times in my entire life that I remember being nervous; my first car accident (no one was hurt I promise), the first time I asked Nancy out, and now. Hopefully everything goes right tonight, because I don't think I could handle it if it doesn't.

"Sweetheart are you okay?" I hear Nancy and immediately snap out of my nervous state.

"Yes Love, why do you ask?" I reply caressing her cheek.

"Well only because we have been sitting her for a few minutes while you daze off. I think the valet is waiting for us outside your door." She says before smiling and pointing outside of my window.

I look and see the valet patiently waiting for us to get out so that he can park the car.

"Oh, of course. Let's head in before we miss our reservation." 

We both get out of the car, with me handing the valet the keys, before heading inside.

"Good evening and Welcome to Casa Nulve. How are you this evening?" says the hostess in a thick italian accent.

"We are great, thank you. We have a reservation under the name Steel, Christian Steel."

"Oh yes Mr. Steel, a table for two is ready for you." He replies while grabbing the menus and leading us to our table. 

As we walk to our table I can't help but notice how immaculate the restaurant is. We have never been here but I heard from a buddy of mine that it is the best place to have a romantic dinner. There is an italian style figure in the middle with a small waterfall. There are all kinds of flowers surrounding the figure with petals in the water. The ceiling is decorated in white twinkling lights while every single table has a different candle lit in the center. There is a violionist playing soft music in the corner and everyone is dressed elegantly.

"Would you like to start off with some wine?" The hostess says as we take our seats and he hands us our menus.

"Yes please get me a bottle of Chardonnay." I reply with a smile.

"Yes sir right away. Oh, and your server Luigi will be right with you."

He scurries off to get the wine and I look at my beautiful girlfriend.

"Have I told you how enchanting you look tonight?" I ask her grinning like a cheshire cat.

"Yes you have, but let me repeat myself when I say thank you." 

We gaze into each others eyes for what seems like just a moment when I hear someone clear their throat. I look up only to find the waiter standing there with a guilty look on his face.