Let's see- We met at a hay ride and bonfire while in college. (That neither one of us were going to attend because we thought it was dumb.) That was Oct 2nd 1976.
Fast forward 5 years. I went with her and her family 10 hours to TN to her maternal grandparent's 50th anniversary. (we took several cars.)
Near the cousin's house that we stayed in was a bluff that over looked a nearby river. The family liked to go walk the bluff when ever they got the chance to do so but that wasn't very often.
FIRST I went outside to my father in law and nervously asked his permission. (After 5 years I was fairly sure he would say yes but I still stammmmmmered when asking him.) At that time no one in the family wore jewelry and I told him that I had a ring. That I was concerned that it may cause a problem with the Mrs. He told me to go ask his little girl (She is the eldest daughter by the way.) and that HE would take care of his wife. He has been my hero ever since.
It is Oct 2nd once again by the way. I tell Rhonda that I want to go see this bluff that everyone has been talking about. Beautiful fall day. Sunny. In the mid 50's. So of course she says she and asks if anyone else want to come along. (Big sister.) The youngest says she wants to come along too. I was stunned. I did not plan for this. Stuttering once again I suggest that maybe just the two of us could go and later I would take the younger girls. That didn't work.
I knew I couldn't push too hard without tipping my hand so grudgingly I let her come along.
We got to the bluff. I was beautiful. Trees turning. River down below. I told my little sister to be (8) that she could walk on by herself that we were going to sit here and watch the river. (I realized that a really great make out session was out of the question. d@mn.)
After the little one got a little ways away, Rhonda watching and warning her that she had gone far enuf. (To which I said go on a little further. Glares from big sister.)
I pulled the case with the ring out of my pocket and and proposed.
Her screaming and crying brought the little one back.
Naturally we had to run back to the house to show everyone. Littlest one leading the way.
Footnote- Many years later I told her if her father didn't say yes I would have kept the ring in my pocket and not said anything about it. UNTIL WE GOT HOME. Rhonda stole a little thunder from Grandma and Grandpa but they were thrilled to share the spotlight.