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The Engagement
by Elisa Large

In September, Dale and his twin brother, Dean, turned 50. It’s a big life-defining moment and one that just begs to be celebrated with a party. Dale realizing that his family and friends wouldn’t let such a date go unnoticed, decided to get together with his brother and plan their own party before anyone else could. Being the good girlfriend I agreed to help organize things, get supplies and make sure all was in readiness.

Dale and Dean agreed it would be a barbecue and I would be in charge of shopping and setting things up. Dale and Dean were in charge of the guest list and cake. Dean’s wife Jan is one of the best cake makers in the area.

As the big day arrived, the garage was cleaned and tables were set up, the grill scrubbed and the house put into order. Dale and Dean had extended their invitations and a nice crowd was expected. Of course a nice crowd is always to be expected when most of the family still lives in the area.

Friends and family started to arrive and as usual Jan’s cake was perfect. There in the box were two mounds of chocolate cake in the shape of graves complete with head stones and gummy worms. Dinner finished and the ribbing and teasing of the 50-year-olds started, but all in good fun with plenty of laughs.

Just prior to cutting the cake, Jan brought out another cake enclosed in a box. When I went to take a peek. Jan pulled away and said “NO, this is a special cake for Dale”. Not wanting to spoil what was sure to be a good joke on Dale I calmed my curious nature and left the box closed. Jan placed the box in front of Dale and he looked embarrassed and said “Elisa I want you with me when I open this one”. Not wanting to leave the man to face sure embarrassment alone I joined him at the front of the room.

With a nervous glance in my direction, Dale slowly raised the lid to the cake box. I glanced in and saw a yellow and white cake with flowers. What a strange cake for a man to get on his fiftieth birthday!

Dale opened the box all the way and as I looked at the cake in stunned silence he lowered to one knee in front of me. There written on the cake was “ELISA WILL YOU MARRY ME?” My mind swirled around. For once in my life I was speechless. Tears came to my eyes as I looked out at the friends and family gathered. I then looked down at this wonderful man still on one knee. He asked “Is that a Yes?” Several people in the room echoed that statement “Was that a yes?”. With tears and the biggest smile I have ever experienced I said “Yes!”. Dale placed the most beautiful three-diamond, white-gold ring on my finger I’d ever seen.

It turned out I was the present Dale wanted most.

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