It’s been three fabulous years since HusbandMan proposed.  In honor of such an occasion, I’m reviving an old post that managed to find its way from the archives and sharing our engagement story.

First, my point of view (posted on 5/12/2006)

Well, I have been away, it seems
Well, I made it home safely, after a bit of a delay getting out of Heathrow (thank you Delta, I don’t like you much anymore).

Billie had a great little surprise for me Friday night – a little Welcome Home party with my mom and best friend, and some good food on the grill. It was so sweet that he invited other people over. Pretty much slept away the next day, and on Sunday afternoon, the BIG surprise.

I was scooping ice cream for milkshakes when he reaches around me, and what do I see, but a beautiful ring?! I’m not quite sure what he said after that, it all seemed like “blah blah blah” because my brain was all mushy (blame it on being a girl). I must’ve said yes, since I still have the pretty trinket (despite his attempts to see if I will let it go, which I won’t). So…that’s the big news. Billie and I are engaged!

I’ve got some pictures to post, of the ring and such, but we’re also working on a joint website to keep up with details, so stay tuned for that. What, you didn’t think we wouldn’t use our internet savvy to make life easier? Nahhh…

Anyhow, headed for D.C. this afternoon to work for the summer, so hopefully the rest of my life can start falling into place.

B – Thanks for the opportunity to be such a big part of your life. I’m both honored and excited for all the future holds for us. I love you.

Billie’s [incorrect] version of events:

[long post about traveling to meet me in Europe and some of our adventures]

…

And now the big news: Bowlegs is less than a week away!!!! Time for drinking and debauchery!!! Just kidding, today would be the first day of my last year of bachelorhood. The Kaitlin/Katy Beth and I are getting married. While I had a number of complex plans to ask her, it came down to lounging around my place while she was whipping up some Kahlua milkshakes a couple of days after she came from Europe. Since she blogged that she didn’t remember the conversation because of shock (which I am not sure I understand since she has known it was coming) I will provide you the conversation details:

Katy: (scooping ice cream) …and so maybe after I make you this milkshake, I can massage your feet or clean the house while you drink beer and watch T.V. I am here to serve you.

Bray: (looking particularly good) I’ll think about it, maybe if you are good I will let you run my errands, it is a nice day.

Katy: (glowing, tears falling down her cheeks) thank you so much.

Bray: (still looking particularly good) I need to have a serious conversation with you. I was really disappointed last week when I asked you to make me dinner and you failed to do so.

Katy: (desperately scrounging for an excuse) I was in England, I didn’t hear you.

Bray: (angry, but even more handsome, if that is possible) That is an inadequate reason; from now on I want you here. Take this…

Katy: (confused or has gas) It’s a ring.

Bray: (looking just plain hot) It is actually a tracking and detonation device in case you are “not in place” again. If you want, I’ll let you marry me.

Katy: (falling to her knees, crying, grabbing on to my leg, partly in gratitude, partly to cover up that she really did have gas and relived herself of it) Oh, thank you!!! How can I ever repay you!!!

Bray: (drinking his shake) You can’t.

Since she has been hob-nobbing with Uncle Sam lately, this is probably appropriate…

Post 9-11 Disclaimer: There is no tracking device, nor detonation device, in the ring. If there was, I would not have the moral capacity to use it. If I did have such a capacity, I do not have the mental capacity to use it. If I did, Kaitlin would be smart enough to disable it. I have no intention of blowing up Kaitlin, anyone else, or public or private property.

And my final, written response:

Umm. So, I may not remember exactly what was said, though I’m pretty sure, in fact, I know, that the conversation didn’t go like that. Remember, I didn’t start crying until a few days later…

As for the rest of the inaccuracies, I’m sure your readers have a fond knowledge of your ability to…bullshit…so I’m sure I inevitably come out looking the better one instead of a groveling wuss.

And the photographic evidence:

The Ring!

Another shot of the ring

One more, up close & personal

Don't I look happy?