By the time anyone else but me reads this, I hope to be engaged and have written an amazing post about proposing on the Greek isle of Santorini at sunset. But as of now, that’s going to have to wait. Anyway, I’ve just bought an engagement ring – and it’s almost as beautiful as the girl I’m about to propose to.
Annie and I were speaking about getting married before we’d even started dating – before our first kiss, even. We’ve not been together more than two or three months – but, as we keep saying, “when you know, you know”.
Something just clicked when we first met. Call it chemistry, call it a spark, call it what you like – it was there right from the start and it’s been there ever since.
Love blossomed really early for both of us and, on the day when we became an item, we made each other a promise that, one day, we’d get married.
Now I know people usually spend many months or even years together before popping the question. But when you know, you know!
As I’ve written here many times before, Annie has made me incredibly happy, given me loads of confidence and just loves me to bits – and I love her just as much. She’s totally supportive about me being trans, too.
In other words, she’s a keeper. And, to paraphrase Beyoncé, if you like it, then you oughta put a ring on it.
I had been planning on having a trip to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter but, me being me, I’d not got around to actually going there.
Anyway, I met up with a pal on Monday night and he told me that his wife worked in a jeweller’s in the town next to mine. I told him about my proposal plans and he said his good lady might be able to get me a bit of a discount.
Good, thinks I! Not only a deal – but supporting a local independent business as well. All good. So, two days ago, I drove into the town and found the jeweller’s in question – a tiny place that’s been there decades.
I was feeling really excited. I kept asking myself if I was doing the right thing – and I kept answering “yes”! I know it’s really soon – and I know plenty of people will think it’s too soon – but so long as Annie and I are happy, that’s all that really matters.
I walked up to the door, rang a bell and opened the door before stepping inside and meeting the owner, a lovely chap called Steve.
I also met my pal’s wife, who was on a day off but had just popped in for something. She was really lovely, too. All the loveliness!
And then it came to choosing the ring. I said I wanted something simple with a single diamond – not a cluster – and in white gold or platinum.
So Steve rummaged around in his shop window and brought out eight or so beautiful rings. They were all gorgeous but one really stood out to me – a princess cut diamond (square in shape) on 18ct white gold.
I fell in love with it instantly – it was stunning compared to the others. The only problem was that it was out of my price bracket. I’d envisioned spending £800 to maybe £1,000 max. This was nearer £1,500.
So I asked if he had anything else in white gold, with a princess cut diamond which may be slightly smaller – and therefore not so expensive.
I’d taken along one of Annie’s rings, which he measured (size N) and said I’d pop back the following day to see what else he had – he was going to get more rings delivered by courier.
I headed back to the car, got in and sat down. Then my mobile phone rang – it was Steve. He offered to make me a pretty substantial discount – more than even the staff discount. Good old Steve!
The ring was still a fair amount out of my budget but I just said “She’s worth it!” and thanked him very much before getting out of the car and heading back.
And as luck would have it, the ring was virtually the same size as the ring of Annie’s I’d taken in. It may have been one size smaller – but both rings fit on my little finger (the same size as her ring finger) perfectly, so I don’t think it will need altering. If it does, it’s no big deal.
I then got all the info about the gold, the diamond, where the ring was made, everything, and headed out to walk back to my car, clutching the little bag containing a little wooden box containing the ring itself as though I were carrying the Crown Jewels.
I replaced Annie’s ring in exactly the same position as I’d found it (I’d taken a photo before removing it) and hid the engagement ring. I’ll need that when we fly to Santorini in three days’ time.
So all that remains to do now is propose. I’m not going to pick a day or anything. I’ll just keep it with me and pop the question as and when the time feels right. It would be lovely to do it over dinner at sunset, though.
I’ve never been engaged before (unless you include the time a girl asked me out when she was 8 and I was 13 by proposing). I’ve never felt ready to spend the rest of my life with any of the girls I’ve been in a relationship with before. But this all just feels so different.
I’m incredibly lucky to have Annie in my life. I just hope she says yes now! If she does, then we can both start looking for the perfect wedding dresses. Because I won’t be walking down the aisle in a morning suit.
Andie xxx
shazzl3 says
My app missed this post and having caught up & read it all I can say is Squeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! 😻💍💜
Soupdragon says
This post didn’t show up for me either, until now. But then I already knew this and so delighted she said yes! We need more updates now please, although I realise you’re too busy having fun…