Lights up, and with that the curtain came down and the lights began to fade. The crowd still mumbled and chatted as they left the hallowed space. And suddenly I was alone. The cast was backstage. Taking showers, getting out of costume, eating dinner. I turned around. The vast set behind me was looked amazing from my perspective, but that facade was ruined by the fact that I knew it was just a flat set. There was no depth to it. Just plywood and paint. Exit stage left.

I went down to my dressing room, took off my costume, took a shower, and stood in front of the lit mirror. My face looked as if I had just seen a ghost. I put on my jeans and button-up shirt. My reflection isn't what I was worried about. But when I looked down at the counter, I nearly had a panic attack. There on the counter was the little velvet box that would consequently change my life forever. I took a deep breath, reached over, grabbed the box, and slipped it into my too deep pockets. Exit upstage through door.

Next thing I know, I am standing at her dressing room door. Three anxious knocks, and she playfully asks, “Who is it?” The door opens, and there she is, looking more beautiful than ever, wearing my favorite dress of hers with her hair freshly curled. I inhale, and all I can smell is the sweetness from her shampoo and perfume. I freeze. Suddenly doubt rushes through my veins. Does she even like me that much? Will she say yes? How do I even deserve a girl like her? After a moment, she pulls me out of my stupor. “Are you okay, Hun?” I take a second to start breathing again and then coolly respond, “Yea, are you ready to go?” I offer her my arm and take her to the car.

Enter downstage right. I help her out of the car and we walk together along the park path. The walk seems like it is taking forever as we go past the playground, and the amphitheater. Right over the crest of the grassy knoll lies the place that we will never forget. The minute the gazebo comes into view, her face brightens, and her eyes widen. The gazebo was decorated with white lights and lavenders. And to top things off there was a picnic waiting for the both of us.

Light music filled the air as we ate our dinner. When the food was gone, I stood and asked her to dance, and together we waltzed for some time. Then she rested her head on my chest, and asked me the question that I had hoped she would never ask. “What is the occasion tonight?” I suddenly found myself frozen again, only this time out of the innate fear that I had to answer this question. “Oh, you will see.” I wish that I could say that my voice didn't break on the word see, but it did. “Whatever it is, I am sure it will be wonderful” She reaches up to kiss me gingerly on the lips. As our eyes locked, I knew that if it was going to happen, now would be the time.

“Ivy.” She looked up into my eyes and her beautiful green eyes just gleamed in the low lit gazebo. A slight smile that could compete with the Mona Lisa. “Yes?” Then what happened surprised even me. I did not even flinch when I said the next few words. “Will you, marry me?” I let go of our waltzing position, and got down on one knee and presented her with the velveteen box. Her hands covered her gaping mouth and two tears began to race down each side of her face. She nodded and I stood up and placed the ring onto her finger.