Color Blind(57)

Dale pulled up in front of my house right on time to pick us up. As we drove to Lorraine’s house, he commented on how beautiful I looked.



“Thanks,” I said, “but I don’t feel like it.”



“You’re gorgeous! But then again, you could wear a pair of sweats and have a messy ponytail and I’d still think you’re hot.”



“Why are we going out to dinner again?”



“To get you out of the house, to cheer you up, and to spend time together.”



“Am I that miserable?” I asked as we took Nevaeh inside to drop her off.



“No, but I like to see my doll happy. That’s all.”



On our way back out to the car, Lorraine yelled out to us, “Be careful and don’t worry if you stay out late. I’ll keep her until tomorrow.”



We waved goodbye as we drove off, heading towards downtown St. Louis.



“It sure is nice out, isn’t it?” Dale asked as he admired the breathtaking sunset.



“It is. The weather’s been splendid lately. Actually, it’s been kind of warm out for February.” I added.



“Speaking of, what do you want to do for Valentine’s Day?”



“Oh, God, I haven’t celebrated Valentine’s Day in forever! How about if we just stay home and watch movies or something?” I suggested.



“Like what kind of movies? That sounds kind of boring.”



“The Notebook is my favorite movie. Nicholas Sparks is the best author of all time, hands down. And just so you know, the Notebook is not boring. It’s awesome!”



“Uh-huh, I see. Well, I’ll think about it and get back to you. I may have something else planned for the two of us,” he winked at me.



The valet took the keys and parked his car in a private parking garage as we stepped out in front of the restaurant. He wrapped his arm around the crook of my arm as we walked inside.



“Name please?” the petite blonde asked when we stopped at the podium.



“Dale Halloway,” he replied.



She scanned the reservation list for a moment. “Oh, yes, come with me,” she said, realizing who he was. “We have a private table for you hidden in the rear corner of the restaurant.”



He must be planning our Valentine dinner early, I thought, as we walked through the restaurant. Upon arriving at the table, he pulled out my chair as a real gentleman would.



“After you,” he said, bowing to me.



“Thank you,” I responded as I took my seat. “Is this an early Valentine’s dinner?”



“No, I just thought we’d do something special tonight. I’ve never brought you here before so I thought I would show you what authentic Italian food tastes like. They fly in all of their wine and most of the menu straight from Italy.”



“Nice!”



While the two of us enjoyed a quiet dinner and shared stories about our awkward teenage years, we laughed the night away. At the end of dinner, he asked the waitress for the check and handed her his credit card when she returned with the bill. When dinner was over, I was sad the night was coming to an end.



“What’s wrong?” he asked as my smile faded.



“Oh, it’s just that we had a great time and I’m sad to see it end.”



“That’s funny you say that. I actually have another surprise for you. Follow me,” he said.



Curiously, I followed him outside, but the valet didn’t bring the car around. Instead, we began walking down the cobblestone street toward the riverfront. I strolled along beside him as we neared the Mississippi River. At the end of the road where it branched off, I saw a horse carriage.



“Those are so beautiful. I’d love to ride one sometimes,” I told him.



“How come? What’s so neat about them?”



“They’re just so romantic. I love the white horses that carry the black buggy. It’s like something you’d see in a movie.”



“Hm, well, would you do me the honor?” He asked, holding out his hand as he stepped into the carriage.



“What? Is this for us?”



“Yes, it is. I told you that I had one more surprise for you, and this was it. Come on, get in.” He said, extending his hands to help me into the cart.



Trotting along the riverfront, we admired the river and the lighting of downtown St. Louis. The carriage stopped in front of the Arch. Dale got down on bended knee inside the carriage and took a deep breath.



“Kimberly,” he began, “I love you and Nevaeh so much. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”



“Dale!” I cried. “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!”