Engagement Story

This was posted this on Betsy's peronal blog shortly after it happened. Rick posted a comment on that blog with his side of the story. His comment is included below.

Date of original post: September 24, 2008

Sneaky Rick surprised me with an engagement ring while riding City Creek on Tuesday night. We'd shopped for rings, and I didn't think he'd be able to surprise me when the actual time came. I was wrong. In fact, I was so clueless that I kept trying to get him to ditch me the whole ride. I wasn't feeling very well and didn't want to ride too hard so I kept telling him to ride ahead so he would have a good ride. He was cute and kept assuring me that he'd rather ride with me. But really, that is typical Rick so there is no reason that would have clued me in.

We got to the water treatment plant up the canyon and I decided I was done. If you haven't been there, it's sort of an ugly place up a really pretty canyon. Rick asked if we could ride a little farther. I was a little surprised that, knowing I didn't feel well, he was asking me to keep going. (Silly Betsy)

About 15 minutes later, I'd really hit my limit and said I needed to turn around. Rick asked if we could rest a minute before heading back. Again, I thought it was a little weird because why do you have to rest before going downhill, but still didn't think much of it. So I was still on my bike and Rick had put his to the side of the road. He was suddenly next to me on his knee. At this point you'd think I'd clue in-- nope, I just thought he was adjusting his shoe or something. Then he showed me the ring and posed the big question- it's a bit of blur after that. I think I said "What?" a number of times getting louder and more excited each time. Rick said there was a bit of squealing as well. We took a couple of photos right after but only had my phone so they aren't so good. This is just after we got back to my house. I like the biking glove and Rick's shoe in the background.

Like I mentioned, we had shopped for rings and picked about five of them that we both liked. Rick made the final decision. This one was my favorite, and since seeing it in the store was the one I pictured on my finger. I was very pleased with his choice. This photo isn't very good. I think it makes it look like my ring is black- it's really all white gold with bling. So much for my photo skills.

Rick's side of the story...

I was sure she knew about it the whole ride. I was trying to keep the perma-grin off my face and as we entered memory grove Betsy suddenly looked over and said to me with a grin, "You may do whatever you wish now." My pulse quickened (glad that I had left my heartrate monitor at home) and I thought, "Ah foiled," but asked for clarification as to what she meant. She then stated that I could ride on ahead if I wished. Whew, what a relief, although my pulse only slowed minimally.

I was wearing the ring on my pinky, under the glove and kept checking it every few minutes to make sure it wasn't peeking out. I also was trying to ride on the inside of the trail so she definitely wouldn't be able to see the ring.

Yes, she did squeal after/while she said "what, What, WHAT?! You have it?", Then it all turned into a dream-like movie sequence... the birds came out a-flyin' and the sylvan creatures danced merrily about in celebration of our betrothal. A few joggers on the trail down hill also squealed in excitement as Betsy wanted the whole world to share in her excitement. I was pleased that she was surprised.