BF proposed in front of friends and family during his birthday dinner Friday night. He had a whole speech planned out, was shaking, sweating. I was oblivious to the whole thing, busy cutting his birthday cake and sorting the bill out. OSD told my little sister, so she was prepared to record the whole thing. His friends knew, the kids knew, my family knew. I have never been so surprised in my life. I always thought that I would know, I would sense it. I am not a very public person...to have him doing it in such a public place in front of so many people, family, friends, and strangers, really shocked me. I didn't react the way he wanted, I didn't feel comfortable reacting the way I would have if we were alone. BF was disappointed, but so was I. He can't do it over again, and I can't take back my initial reaction. But after the first initial stunned moment, the only thought running thru my head was "This man is now my fiance...I'm engaged...I'm engaged..."

What's funny now is I'm surprised I didn't see the signs. His shaking, his being so nervous, his moving the chair away, everyone staring, the cameras ready, his talk with the kids before, THE RING BOX IN HIS POCKET.

In hindsight, it was beautiful. He demonstrated his love for me in front of all those we care about. And I have my proposal on camera, where I can play it over again to absorb everything I was too busy to notice. I have pictures of him on his knee, him putting the ring on my finger, our first kiss as an engaged couple. He really put himself out there. The ring is gorgeous. I have always wanted a three stone diamond in a white gold setting.

We turned the page. It is now time for a whole new chapter in our lives.