Time to pop the question

The engagement ring had been hiding in my closet for over two weeks when I got word that the “Marry Me” charm Helen Ficalora made for me was ready.

Over those weeks I would go into the closet every day when Tracey was busy to make sure the ring was still there and take it out and just stare at it when I had the chance. This was much more than just looking at a beautiful diamond, though. It brought to mind images of all the time I had spent with Tracey and what our future together would look like.

With the key elements in place I planned the engagement for a Saturday night about another two weeks away. It wasn’t an easy task to find a free weekend, as we were in the midst of celebrating many engagements, weddings and bachelor/bachelorette parties. Keep in mind, over this period I was also getting pressure from family (on both sides) asking me what I was waiting for and when it was going to happen, etc. Although Tracey knew nothing, she was also eager to get engaged. As a small example, as I was ring shopping I thought I would do something special for Tracey by bringing a chef into our apartment to prepare a romantic dinner. The evening was very nice, but by the end of the night I could tell Tracey wasn’t thrilled. The next day she told me how upset and disappointed she was because she figured that was to be the night of our engagement. So I learned a lesson and realized I didn’t want to waste any more time.

With a date set, I let her parents, my parents, my sisters and my best friends in on all the details. I arraigned for dinner at The River Café, set under the Brooklyn Bridge, a hotel room at the Thompson Hotel on the Lower East Side, complete with rose petals, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, as well as brunch reservations the next day.

Just a few days prior to our engagement Tracey’s father in California called to say her grandmother had passed away. She had not been well for some time. I was obviously prepared to change the plans of our engagement, but called her father to see how he was doing and discuss what his wishes were. He called me back and said he had thought it over and felt that I should go forward with the engagement because it was what his mother would have wished. He also expressed that he would arrive in New York on Saturday and we could spend time together.

I decided I would propose to Tracey a day earlier than planned as she returned home from work. I called the Thompson Hotel and they were kind enough to change my reservation last minute and provide an upgrade, but The River Café could only provide me with a very late Friday reservation. I decided to choose another excellent restaurant my father had suggested in Tribeca called Scalini Fedeli.

As Tracey arrived home the next day I told her that her birthday gift had arrived. I took out the pink jewelry box she has come to know, which is given with all jewelry purchased at Helen Ficalora. As she opened the box and stared at the “Marry Me” charm it took her a couple of seconds to realize what it said. As she looked up I got down on one knee and asked if she would marry me. To say she was in shock was an understatement, but I was happy that I could bring her tears of joy during a sad time. After a “YES” and a short kiss, it was off to her making phone calls to her family and friends, followed by us packing a bag for a night out in Manhattan.