He bought me two roses as we waited for the show to begin, one red and one yellow (Love and friendship). I spoke to an older woman who let me sit on the bench beside her, I worried about whether our stroller took up too much space at the front of the crowd. It was drizzling and had been all day long off and on, intermingled with moments of heavy downfall. Of course as one might imagine, it was a VERY muddy adventure we found ourselves on.

He had expressed a REAL interest in watching the siege that day, informing me he’d never seen one. The show began and we watched with smiling faces. He knelt on the other side of the stroller from me, with Aidan standing just in front of him. He seemed to be keeping a distance from me. I glanced at them very often, Aidan in awe of the drums began to slowly make his way out into the eyes of the crowd, closer to the instruments. The bagpipes wailed effortlessly and daddy closed in, in an effort to keep the kiddo out of trouble of course. He really seemed to have it all under control, so I simply watched them and enjoyed the show, stroking my lips softly with the droplet covered rose petals, breathing in their intoxicating fragrance.

The drums and pipes played on as I rose from my seat in order to get a few photos of my king and our prince. One of the musicians gave Aidan a little yellow gourd that sounded like a maraca, which he shook wildly. Out in the mud before the castle, hundreds of spectators and actors look on and listen to the show as the royal wedding is interrupted by the siege. It is a battle for the hand of the princess and possession of the castle, and of course, Robin Hood is the good guy, who arrives with many of his marry men in tow.

There are theatrics! Fire! Smoke! Weapons clanking! Armor being struck! It’s quite the production!

Before I know it the show is coming to a close as Robin Hood rises to the castle balcony to reinstate Richard the Lionheart. Then, just as everything is being concluded, I hear Robin Hood shout, “Can I have Master Clay to the center please!”(Although I admit my memory of his exact words are a bit fuzzy up until he says the father of my child’s name). I look up in shock as a woman in costume takes our child from Clay’s arms and he moves into the center, only then realizing due to the advice of Sir Robin, that he’s forgotten something…..

I am already welling up with tears as I remember that just that day he had insisted I try on the most BEAUTIFUL puzzle ring with the most INTRIGUING green garnet. I am trembling as he approaches me, his capable hand reaching for mine, looking into my eyes as he tends to do so searchingly. His eyes are welling up as well. I walk out with him, taking one quick glance back toward our little-one who seems perfectly content in the mystery woman’s arms.

We are standing in mud of course and everyone is watching us, but I can’t hear them…..all is quiet but the energy between us two and the sound of my pounding heart, no one there but us now. Another woman offers her services, tossing a pelt into the center toward us and insisting he kneel upon it. He does so, holding onto my hands he looks up at me, trying so desperately to hold his composure.  I am of course a blubbering mess by this point.

Now this part is a bit fuzzy, but I believe the exact words are

“Lindsay, it’s been a long time coming…….…We fell in love here at this faire……..…will you do me the honor now, of being my wife for eternity?” The whole time I can tell there is so much more he wants to say to me. He is trembling by now too…..

I stand there looking down at him; the rain mocks my tears as he reaches into his left pocket, pulling out a little black box and opening it. It’s the ring I tried on earlier! I wait just a moment in order to soak in the moment and then out comes my “Yes!” completely unhindered. He puts the ring on me and stands. We kiss deeply as precipitation trickles down our faces, and the crowd who I’ve forgotten about up until now cheers loudly! We embrace. It’s the most beautiful and certainly the most romantic thing that’s ever happened to either of us to be sure!

Afterward people come up to us in droves to say congratulations and to tell us how moving the experience was. The whole thing is surreal, and strangely enough, Aidan is still calm being held in that kind woman’s arms.

It couldn’t have been more perfect! He did have to tell a few fibs to me throughout the day in order to pull it all off, but he completely got me! The only regret we both have about the experience, was that we didn’t get anyone to video tape it or take any pictures. But there were SO MANY people watching…..somebody has to have SOMETHING……right?

Either way……I am so very lucky. Clay Jacob Dorsey, you’re just simply amazing….that is if I absolutely HAVE to put it into words. You’re amazing and I’ll love you for eternity…….

I never thought I’d say this but…..Let’s plan a wedding!

Addendum: I was just informed by Clay that I said “Yes” BEFORE the ring came out….it’s true of course =)