The Big Date

I had the perfect date planned; at least the way I define a perfect date. After I got home and changed I sat down and started brainstorming ideas. I hate planning first dates. I had narrowed my list down to 3 things, had some dinner, and played some video games. After losing a few games I decided to finish up my plans. I was excited, and looking forward to this date.
Friday morning I beat Carly to the office. When walked by she tapped on my "door" and winked at me. I took that as a good sign. With smile on my face I again uncharacteristically dove into my work, and very fortunately the day went quickly.
"Hey, Santa Fe, I'm ready for our date."
"Carly, did I ask you on this date or did you ask me?"
"You asked me." she replied with some confusion.
"Due to the fact that I am not picking you up at you place, I'd suggest you retreat back to your cubicle and let me come and get you."
"Okay, I'll just do that then. I didn't mean to offend you."
"No offense taken. I just want to be able to be a gentleman." I replied confidently, but gentle. That even surprised me. I've never at least felt this confident on a date before, let alone sounded this confident.
I walked by her cubicle and gave her the one minute sign. A man has to do a little primping, too. On the way back to my cubicle I flashed her another one minute sign. She sighed.
I put my stuff away in my desk and slowly walked to Carly's cubicle. After knocking I stoically stated, "I am here to pick up Miss Carly Adams. Is she in?"
She stood and replied, "I am Miss Carly Adams." She then held out her hand for me to take and kiss the back of. Being the gentleman that I am, I graciously did just that.
So far, so good I thought.
"I hope your are wearing comfortable walking shoes."
"I am." She replied.
"Great."
The walk to the car was silent, but comfortable.
"I hope you like good old American food." I stated with a smile.
"I do and I am starving."
"Let's go then."
The date was fantastic up until the point I turned the key. To keep in the theme of the last 2 days it was perfect. In terms of the perfect date it was not looking good. I turned the key again and nothing. "I should have known."
"You should have known what?"
"My car won't start. I don't have a clue why. I guess we're walking a little more than I thought."
"Plan B I take it?" said Carly. "I impressed."
"Why?" I asked quizzically.
"Most guys I know would be freaking out."
"Hey, Carly sit tight for just a second I'm not going anywhere. I've got to get something out of my trunk and I'll come open the door for you."
"Sure."
As I walked to my trunk I was more than curious to know what Carly was thinking right now. However, I was not going to ask that stupid question, "What are you thinking right now?" that some girls like to ask. At least that's the way the movies portray it.
Even with my car not starting I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't frustrated and slamming things.
"May I take your hand to help you out of the our broken down chariot, Miss Adams?"
"Oh yes, dear sir."
This could be fun.
I had her fooled. This is not plan b, this is shooting from the hip. After getting to the ground floor we headed to a deli close by. I knew Carly had eaten there, so I knew that would be a safe place to eat. With sandwiches and Cokes in hand I flagged a taxi and headed to park.
"I'm still impressed. This is a pretty good Plan B."
"You don't come across as one to be easily impressed."
"I'll take that as a compliment, I think?"
"Good, you should. It was intended to be one, Carly."
Before leaving my car I got my camera out of the trunk. When taking pictures I am in my element. I took out my camera and started snapping pictures. I turned and got Carly while taking a bite of her sandwich.
Carly didn't disappoint.
"Do you have to take pictures of me and even when I'm eating?"
"Ah, yea. Some of those can make the best pictures. If I ever see that picture displayed anywhere I'll rip it up."
"That's okay, I can keep the original on file and reprint it."
"Brian, you wouldn't?"
"Yes I would." If I was able to look at myself I would have seen the biggest, honest smile that could be formed by my face.
"Carly, are you finished with this sandwich stuff?"
"Yes."
"Would you mind going for a walk around the park?"
"Oh, no not at all."
"Great. Let me take care of cleaning up the dinner dishes."
"You are quite the gentleman."
"Nah, not really. I'm trying to make a good impression. How am I doing?"
"You were doing pretty well...up until you made that last statement."
"Bummer, I take it back then."
The sidewalk we were on followed the shoreline of the pond. I led Carly to a fence and placed her against it. The pond was behind her and I had looking focus on something off to her right. I asked to think of a sad memory. The sun was in that late afternoon setting, not quite sitting on the horizon. It did shadow her face, but from the 2x2 screen on my camera it did have the right effect.
Then I turned her around and put the light of the sun on her face. This time I asked to her focus on something just above my head and behind me, with a pleasant, happy memory. I took several rapid fire shots as she slightly adjusted how she was looking.
I hung my camera around my neck and just stared at her.
"Carly?"
"Yeah."
"Marry me."
I'm not sure what my facial features said, but she just looked back at me. I could tell the question registered with her. Her silence didn't say, "Oh, how do I tell this guy no without hurting him.
"Brian, if desire me to answer that question seriously, I need to put your camera in the bag, kneel down right here in front of me and ask me again. It would be wise if you took my hands in yours."
I know when to do what I am told.
"Carly, will you marry me?"
What happened next, I will never forget. Carly leaned down and kissed me. Her kiss soft and tender, and reached into the depths of my heart. Those places that one never knows he has until moments like this. Carly's blue eyes sparkled. The light in countenance would have lit the city.
Looking into my eyes, "Brian, I will marry you."
Holding my hand as I stood up she kissed me again when I was on my feet.
Silence.
Holding hands we turned, leaned against the fence looking at our future that lay before us.