I didn’t expect to fall in love.
Sure, Tom was cute, funny, smart, and kind,
but I was in London for only two reasons.
I was getting my master’s degree and I
wanted to see Europe.
He asked me on a few dates, which were
amazing (touring Buckingham Palace and front row to Legally Blonde the
musical). However, I remained firm
on my desire to focus on school.
We started going to church activities
together and dating more frequently. I loved spending time with him. He made me
laugh and he was always such a gentleman. I was still determined not to have a
boyfriend.
As the classic chick flick goes, I was
falling for him and didn’t realize it.
I went to Barcelona with my friend Nicole,
who pointed out that I was talking about Tom incessantly. I denied it, to which
she started bringing up everything I had said about him on the trip.
I started panicking. I was talking about him a ton. She said, “Just tell him already! When
we get back to London, tell him you like him.”
I have never had such a stressful plane ride
in my life. I rehearsed over and over what I was going to say.
When I got to his apartment, I completely
forgot my prepared speech. I fumbled over my words like a stammering idiot. The
most embarrassing part is he knew what I was trying to say and just stood there
with a satisfied smile.
My eloquent mess of a speech ended up with
the words, “So are we cool?” Not quite Jane Austen. However, in a very Mr.
Darcy fashion, he smiled said, “We’re cool,” and took my hand.
Fast-forward nine months.
The
Proposal
Tom and I got delicious curry and then ice
cream for dessert. Afterward, he took me to Tower Bridge, which happens to be
my favorite place in London.
It was the opening ceremony of the Olympics
and fireworks erupted from the bridge while David Beckham sped down the Thames
with the Olympic torch. It was truly amazing.
People started leaving after it was over,
but Tom wanted to stick around a bit longer. We watched as the bridge turned
different colors, and I was perfectly content to be with him.
After a while, he turned to me and said
some really sweet things. All of the sudden, it hit me! He was proposing! He
pulled out a little black box and got down on one knee.
At that point I couldn’t help myself; I
broke down in floods of tears. He asked, “Will you marry me?” I couldn’t even
say yes right away because I was so emotional. Finally, right before Tom’s legs
fell asleep, I said, “Yes, of course!”
And the rest is history.
 |
| We recreated the proposal a week after while taking engagement photos. |
Thank
you!
As I said before, I didn’t come to London
looking for love. (This is the part where my former college roommates are
telling themselves, “I told her she’d meet a British boy!” Yes, you were
right.)
I think that’s the best kind of love,
though; the kind you never expected.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the messages and
posts from dear friends and family, congratulating us on this big step. Thank
you all for your support and for sharing in our happiness. We are who we are
because of your love and encouragement.
Tom
Tom is everything I could ever hope for. He
makes me laugh so hard, I cry. He also holds me when I’m crying and can make me
laugh again.
I am so blessed to have such an amazing man
at my side.
I love you, Thomas John Clack. I can’t wait
to be your wife. Here’s to the rest of forever xxxx
