Myrla Pierson


My boyfriend, Gary had asked me several weeks in advance to attend a party in Tulsa with his parents on a Saturday evening. The Friday morning before the party, while working at my office, a beautiful bouquet arrived with a note "had to go to San Diego unexpectantly, join me - love Gary" along with an airline ticket. With much surprise and confusion, I asked my boss for the afternoon off and he said it had already been taken care of.

I hurried home, packed, and my dad rushed me to the OKC airport. Upon arrival in San Diego, a limo driver greeted me with a big sign with my name on it (how embarrassing - even if I didn't know anyone at the airport.) Driving to my hotel, I asked the driver if he knew of any plans of where I was going or what time? All he knew was that Gary had meetings and I was to get ready and join him for dinner.

I took a leisurely bath and relaxed - there was no hurry when my hotel room overlooked the beautiful bay, and I was sipping champagne. I laid down to rest on the bed and think about what a crazy but fun day when I felt something under my head on the pillow. The housekeeper had turned down the bed and covered part of Gary's note that read - "Hurry, put on your prettiest dress and join me for dinner!" Opps.

I called the driver and we scurried to La Jolla to find Gary. When I checked in, they said there were no reservations for me or Gary at the restaurant. I walked back to the limo. Thank goodness he had not left yet. The driver called the dispatcher for specific instructions and Top of the Cove was where I was supposed to be. We walked back to the check in and after several pages of reservations, they found where Gary had checked in - an hour and a half earlier. He was sitting at the most romantic table for two overlooking the ocean. He was betting the waiters that I would show.

During dinner, he proposed and gave me a beautiful engagement ring which fit perfectly. I will always cherish that special day and that lovely spot. Gary knew how much I loved San Diego. I will never forget how hard he worked to make our engagement so wonderful. I hope that even though I was late, he thought that I was worth waiting for. We celebrated our 20th anniversary this June. He is a rare "jewel".