We were married in the home of a friend, with three little
bridesmaids breathlessly waiting to call Louie “Daddy.” It was
greater than any joy I had ever known. Louie was a natural
father. He adopted our daughters exactly two years after the
day we had met. He is faithful and loving, and the best friend
I have ever had.

At the same time, through the years, I thought that I had
missed out on that romantic dinner by candle light, Louie
dropping to one knee, holding out an engagement ring, and
begging me to marry him. We had started out married life with
a house full of kids, no privacy, and a gratitude that children
have to go to bed early.

Then began my health problems. Where my body once was slim
and strong, it soon became medicated and plump, in all the wrong
places. Where once my cheeks were slim, there was now a layer of
insulation that could make my feet float. I walked and walked
and walked, when I was well, and, yet, no amount of exercise
could bring my body back to where it once was. By the time we
had been married nearly fifteen years, one look in the mirror
was enough to send my self-esteem plummeting.

Louie was always loving and exciting, but I wondered if I was.
I’d look at my wedding band, as it got tighter and resized. In
my jewelry box was a diamond that we had never gotten around to
setting into a ring. I mused that surely he could not want me
that much anymore.

I slipped a dozen cards into every cubbyhole that day,
watching as he joyously found and read them. But there was
nothing in the house, for me. Of course, I didn’t mind. We
were going out to dinner, and that would be romantic. We
arrived at the black tie restaurant together, and I saw the
lovely gift bag with the card sticking out, so I knew I would
not be totally forgotten.

We ordered our drinks, and then the meal, and we watched
the sun go down into a brilliant splendor, and Louie handed
me my card. It said all the wonderful things that always
make me cry. His eyes were shining. How handsome he was.
Then suddenly he moved, and pushed his chair back. Swiftly,
out of the bag came a small velvet pillow and a small box.
I was stunned to see my husband kneel on the pillow and
hold out the little box. Astonished, I backed my chair up.

“Jaye, I love you!” Louie declared, opening the box to
expose a lovely diamond ring. “I know I don’t deserve it,
but will you marry me?!”

“Oh my God!” I heard from the waitress behind me. All
eyes in the room turned their attention to this intensely
private, shy, wonderful man. The room exploded with applause,
as I sobbed, “YES!”

No one knew that we were an “old” married couple. No
one knew or cared that I was an “older” woman. No one saw
anything except our joy and our love. And I will always
remember that day as my perfect Valentine!