Pleasantly Wonderful Night

Yesterday, one of the most exciting events in my life occurred - I got engaged. 


Because it was New Years Eve, Kody and I decided to go out. He took me to Olive Garden and a movie (sort of). Olive Garden was amazing as always. Of course, he didn't care that I wanted almost the most expensive thing on the menu. He forced me to get it because he was paying. It was so delicious. I can't explain how much I enjoyed the meal. 


He bought a Groupon deal about a month ago where we could go see a movie at the Nova in Des Moines, but apparently the Nova doesn't update their showtimes online. The showing we wanted for Girl with a Dragon Tattoo was no longer playing. Because we couldn't find anything else we wanted to see, we went back to his house to watch a movie on Netflix.


We chose "No Strings Attached." It was the perfect romantic comedy for the night.

Around 11:30p.m., Kody and I decided to leave his house to go to my apartment where Kaila and Matt were staying. We wanted to celebrate the New Year with them.


When we pulled out of the driveway, I noticed Kody began driving the wrong way. He told me he just wanted to turn at a stoplight because it was easier. I agreed. Then, we pulled into the Olmsted lot at Drake. I knew something was up.


"I need to get something," he said.
Okay. Cool. Not sure why it is at Drake, but I guess there could be something.
He told me to get out of the truck and walk with him.


"Oh goodness," I thought, "What on earth are we doing?"


He walked me over to the waterfall in Helmic Commons and gave me a piece of paper from his pocket. He told me to read it. I opened the folded paper.


"Turn around. Don't look at me while you read it," he said. (I should have known something fishy was going on at this point. I just assumed he had written a poem and wanted to see my reaction when I was done reading.)


It was a coupon. For his 20th birthday, I made him a coupon book of fun coupons he could "redeem". One was for a back massage. One was for a homemade dinner. They were just fun gestures. One, however, I left blank and told him he could write whatever he wanted in it. I assumed he would use it for a whole day of Football or something. I didn't expect him to actually use it for something so serious.


He wrote in: "This certificate entitles Kody Keith Lueders to a life of happiness through marriage with Eryn B. Swain."

My heart skipped. Was this happening?


"Turn around," he said.


He was down on one knee, smiling. I couldn't breathe.


"Will you marry me?" he said.


"This is really happening. This is not a dream. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh," I thought. I began crying and put my hands over my mouth.


He sat there, waiting. 
...and waiting. 


(Whoops. I forgot to answer.)


"Yes. Of course," I said. I was a mess. I couldn't believe all of that had just happened. He put the ring on my finger. This was really happening. He gave me the perfect ring on the perfect night. It was perfect. Simple, but perfect.


We went back to his truck and to my apartment to see Kaila and Matt.


I was a total mess. I couldn't believe it. (Still can't.) I am not sure if he was crying or what he was feeling. I was too shocked to think at the time. 


WOW. I am engaged to the most wonderful man I have ever met. This is really happening.