I knew it was time. I had promised Joni a romantic proposal. To do that I had to keep it a secret. Everyone knew that I had bought Joni the diamond ring, except Joni.

Although we were now living in Springfield, we had to make a trip down to Bristol, Tennessee for a Bat Mitzvah. The day after the celebration, Joni and I went to the Martha Washington Inn after a morning of browsing through antiques at the Highland Festival.

I had discretely given the maitre d' the ring and asked him to serve it as dessert. Joni's eyes lit up, first in wonder, than surprise, and finally joy. Down upon one knee, I asked her to marry me. Rising upon her answer, the entire ballroom erupted in applause.

Afterwards, we crossed the street to the Barter Theater. Before the curtain rose Richard Rose, the Artistic Director, announced to the audience our engagement.