Drumroll please. It was hard to pick just one post from all the great ones I’ve featured on the Inkslinger. Lots of real life romances made me laugh or cry. In the end, I picked the one that made me laugh and cry. The winner is: Julie Jarnagin. This post originally ran June 23. Julie’s book, Canyon Walls will release through Heartsong Presents in April. Comments will go into the drawing for Making Waves. Deadline: Sept 4, 8:00 PM Central. New Rules: I’ll post the winner in the comments. If you find your name there, go to the contact page on the website and send me your address. Here’s Julie:
The Proposal
When Kevin and I were dating in college, our favorite spot was a local coffee shop. We spent hours sitting in a booth, getting to know each other. One of our favorite things to do over sugary coffee was taking turns coming up with questions, which we would both answer. “What is your favorite movie?” “What was the best vacation you’ve ever taken?” “If you had gone to an out of state college, which one would you have chosen?” It was fun, and we laughed a lot.
One night, it wasn’t unexpected when Kevin asked me to meet him at our regular spot. It was a nice, spring night, and when I arrived, he was sitting at a table outside waiting for me. Kevin said he had already ordered for us, but when I saw the barista carrying our coffee out to us, I told Kevin he shouldn’t have made her bring it out to us.
He scrambled to the door to meet her, and before he could get to her, I saw a flash of light reflect off the top of the whipped cream, and I knew what was about to happen.
The love of my life was about to propose to me at our place, the place where we had gotten to know each other and essentially fallen in love. I kicked myself for almost ruining the moment.
I fought back the tears as he sat the drink in front of me. The diamond engagement ring was perched on top of the whipped cream. The next thing I knew, a nervous Kevin bent down on one knee. In the process, his leg bumped the metal table, spilling the iced coffee, which poured down my arm and leg.
The next few moments were a blur of laughter, tears and Kevin’s sweet proposal.
A little sticky from the spilled coffee and with an engagement ring on my finger, I gave him a squeeze and a kiss.
“I guess that means yes?” he asked.
To this day, he still argues that I never actually said “yes.”
I later found out that he had purchased the engagement ring that day and told my mom that he was going to wait a little while before popping the question. Kevin is not the most patient person, and by the end of the day, he had waited long enough.
In June, we celebrated our nine-year wedding anniversary, and over dinner, we found ourselves taking turns asking each other questions just like we used to do over coffee.
About Julie: Julie Jarnagin grew up in a rural community where her family farmed and raised cattle, inspiring her to set much of her fiction in small towns. She earned a B.A. in Journalism/Professional Writing from the University of Oklahoma and is a member of America Christian Fiction Writers. Her articles have appeared in local and national publications. Through her writing, she hopes to share stories that reflect God’s love.
She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and young son. Her debut novel, Canyon Walls, is scheduled to be released by Barbour/Heartsong Presents in April 2011. You can find her blog at www.juliejwrites.blogspot.com.
Come back Sept 6 for Trish Perry’s romantic excerpt and a chance to win her book.
Oh, I remember reading this. I thought it was wonderful. I may be prejudice because I love coffee,. hot, iced, drip, latte, cappicino,or frappe. So that is what drew me into the love story. I thought the way that they asked each other the questions was so unique. Too bad Julie saw the ring coming though, I wonder how surprised she would have been if she hadn’t seen it.
Some of the best conversations my husband and I have had have been similiar. If you didn’t end up doing what you are doing now, what would you have done instead? If you knew then what you know now, would you change it and why or why not?
This was a good choice!
I haven’t read this before now. It’s too cute!
I appreciate Lorna sharing her story this week. Sylvia won the drawing for Making Waves! Contact me and we’ll make arrangements to collect your book.
Thanks Sandra. I just love this one.
Michelle, glad you enjoyed it.
By the way, Julie has promised to return to the blog in April, when her book releases and give away a copy of Canyon Walls. I’m looking forward to it.
Thanks for selecting my post, Shannon!
Sandra, I still love having these conversations with my husband. I always learn something new about him.
Thanks for stopping by Michelle.
I remember reading this story before. It’s still a beautiful story..
This was adorable! Reminds me of how my husband and I met and how he propsed. Maybe one day I’ll share my love story!
Jen,
Send me your story.