It was one year ago yesterday that Danny proposed to me with this ring. I had no idea that he had it, or that he was planning on proposing to me. Maybe I was slow to catching on to the hints, or maybe he was just that sneaky--either way, I was oblivious to the whole thing. Even with my brother-in-law, Stephen, texting me that morning saying "have a great weekend maraina ;)". How did I not catch on? Anyway, it was a Friday and Danny took me out to P.F. Changs--the same restaurant we went to on our first date when I owed Danny dinner because the Yankees beat the Phillies in the World Series. After dinner, Danny's good friend, Jake, called us and said he was in Tooele for the weekend and they were having a bonfire up in the mountains. Danny was very hesitant to go, but I convinced him that it would be fun. On our way up the canyon, we of course lost service. When we finally got to the top, we couldn't find our friends anywhere. I was positive that they were up there somewhere. It was freezing outside when we got out to look around and I remember Danny saying, "Hmm, maybe they're up at the top of the mountain. Let's go up and look around." I was wearing sandals though and was not about to hike up a mini mountain of rocks and dirt. So Danny just threw me on his back and carried me up. From the top it seemed like we could see the whole world--you can see the entire Utah valley, from Springville to Ogden. All of the temples were glowing so bright among all of the lights. It was so beautiful and we were completely alone on that mountain. Finally, Danny confessed that there was never a bonfire--Jake and everyone else who were supposedly coming weren't--it was all a setup! I can remember him telling me how much he loved me. He kissed me and then I could hear his coat pocket unzip. This was when I finally realized what was going on. I looked down and saw the ring. He got down on one knee, proposed to me, and I said yes--probably over 100 times. It really was a perfect night. We've only been married for five months, but it's been the best five months. It's been hard, but I can't think of anything more worth the struggle.
