When Shawn’s business world kept taking him across the Country and further and further from Lisa, he knew that it was time for a change. Having always wanted to go back to school for his MBA, he knew that he needed to have a big conversation with Lisa about their future plans. Going back to school meant he would have to sell his condo. And his car. He would have to trade in the life he’d been living as a business man for the life of a student. Again. And this would mean that their wedding plans would have to wait at least four years. Would she be up for it? Would she support his decision? A million thoughts raced through his head as he wondered about such a big change. But although it would mean delaying engagement, wedding and family plans, Lisa was definitely on board. She didn’t need a ring on her hand to know that they were going to spend the rest of their lives together. She would stand behind Shawn as he followed his dreams even if it meant that their lifestyles would have to change for a few years.
Making the shift from a job in the business field to becoming a student again meant that funds weren’t quite so free flowing. After some time of Shawn back in school they had going out for dinner down to a science. They skipped the appetizer and dessert and splurged on a nice entree. This way they could eat out more often and not have to worry about the bill. One weekend Shawn had planned a special night in Port Stanley, complete with a fancy dinner. On that night they ate appetizers. And dessert. It was a huge meal and it took 4 whole hours. Everything about it was perfect except that afterward Lisa was exhausted after working all day and enjoying such a big meal. The first thing she did when they got back to the Inn was to put on her pajamas. Then she crawled into bed. Sweet sleep was calling her name. But Shawn had other plans. For months he’d been telling Lisa that they had to wait until he was done school to get engaged and plan a wedding. Meanwhile already had a ring custom designed, asked her parents permission and had the entire night planned. He pleaded with her to go for a walk. Sit on the balcony. Have a glass of wine. Anything but go to sleep. After a little convincing, they found themselves on the balcony above the water. Conversation was effortless between them as always and it turned to how thankful Shawn was that Lisa was waiting patiently while he finished school. And then he got down on one knee. Before he could even get out the ring, Lisa thought that he was only joking around and didn’t believe that he was actually serious. When he pulled out the ring it was such a surprise that she could barely believe it was true. She smiled. She giggled. She jumped up and down and just kept crying and yelling about how happy she was. After five minutes, Shawn still down on one knee, figured this was her way of saying yes and said : “So, do you want to see the ring?” Lisa had forgotten to even look at the ring because she was so excited. By this point Shawn had put the ring on his own finger because he was afraid she’d knock it out of his hand into the water below with all of her jumping up and down.
And while the ring was beautiful, it wasn’t just the ring that had made Lisa jump up and down like a little girl. The surprise had been so genuine. She wasn’t expecting a proposal for years still and hadn’t seen this moment coming at all. As Shawn slipped the ring off his own finger and onto hers they both knew that they would always stand behind each other no matter where life takes them. Because his dreams are hers. Her dreams are his. And their dream of getting married is going to come true next Summer exactly one month after Shawn finishes his MBA. Lisa and Shawn, good luck with the planning and the rest of school and we can’t wait to see you two again soon :)
- Brianna (photos by Ewan)
by Brianna
30 comments