Many of you have seen the picture of the rings, but you haven’t had a chance to hear how romantic Thomas was in presenting it.

Let’s flashback to last Tuesday, 22 November 2006…

Thomas was going to Denver to spend Thanksgiving with his family. He asked me out to a formal dinner on Tuesday night to celebrate the holiday before he left. As we were driving north on I-55, his tom-tom said to turn left on Chicago Avenue. I made some remark about really going all out downtown, and proceeded to guess all of the restaurants in the general Chicago/Michigan Avenue range, and critiquing them. I guessed everything from Pizzeria Duo to Bistro 110, Ghiradelli’s to the Signature Room. I was making fun of the Signature Room, since their food can be mediocre and the only pleasant experience I had there was with a bottle of champagne and some strawberries. Imagine my surprise, and utter upset, when we park in the Hancock Tower garage and go up to the 95th floor. I don’t think I could have felt more stupid if I tried. It was hard to smile at first because I felt so awful for what I had said

Dinner was good, definitely better than before. We had an awesome view – which is what you really pay for – and took lots of pictures like obnoxious tourists. After salad, one of the waitresses brought out a covered tray with the Signature Room Intermezzo course.

I looked at Thomas with that look that says “there’s obviously some mistake, we’re getting someone else’s sorbet, but don’t ruin it since I like sorbet” (YES, there IS such a look). The waitress removed to cover and inside was a beautiful wreath of red rose buds with a diamond ring in the middle with a sprig of purple heather holding it up. Thomas looked at me and asked, “Will you marry me?” I was shocked, there were tears, and finally the waiters who were all standing next to the table by this point finally asked, “Is that a yes?” I didn’t realize they were even there, I was so embarrassed, but I did say, “of course,” and everyone in the vicinity of our table cheered and clapped. Thomas took the ring, placed it on my finger, and then the champagne kept on flowing throughout the rest of dinner.

(1999 Blanc de Blancs Perrier-Jouët Fleur de Champagne)Impressively packaged in a bottle replicating the original 1902 Art Nouveaux “flower bottle” design created by Émile Gallé, this Champagne is made from 100 percent Cramant Vineyards Chardonnay grapes. It has a fresh, citrusy bouquet and a rich, refreshing taste with hints of lilac in the finish.

It was, by far, the best experience I could have ever hoped to have. Even Thomas said, Now every time you look at the city skyline, or even if you see a postcard of Chicago, you can always say, ‘that’s where it all started. So romantic, so cute, and the tears continued to roll down my face for about the next half hour, I was so happy. The waiters really made the night special, and so did Thomas. I didn’t suspect a thing, it was more than I could have hoped for. What a great kick off to the holiday season!