The Big question.

     The last week of February into March We went on a Carnival Cruise.  This was our second cruise together.  We booked it in June so we had been "patiently" waiting for this day.  I however  was a little nervous.  Unknown to pretty much everyone I decided this was when I would propose to my girlfriend.  It took some careful planning and a well timed oil change to be able to secretly get the ring and keep it from being found.  Fast-forward to the day we leave.  Our flight was wicked early so we left at like 3am to get to the airport, her parents drove us in.  I don't know if you are the people that believe the universe gives us signs but I wasn't completely convinced until that day.  My girlfriends lucky number is 3.  It was 33 degrees out when we left the house.  At the airport We boarded the plane at terminal 23, little stretch but the number 3 is there.  We land in Miami and it is hot and I am in pants and a long sleeve shirt.  This isn't going to work.  In my Carry-on was a change of clothes, Shorts and T-shirt, much better.  I am a little more nervous now because in the pocket of my shorts is the jewelry box with the ring in it. 
     We get in a taxi and head to the port.  Once there we had our bags checked and again left with just the Carry-on and began the boarding process.  If you have never cruised the process is very similar to getting on a plane.  You stand in line give your ticket and license to the attendant.  After that you head over and place your Carry-on on the belt to be x-rayed and you walk through a metal detector.  She went first, no problems. When I went through I set off the alarm.  They had me go through again and once again it went off.  The security guard asked if I had anything in my pockets.  While my girlfriend was getting her shoes and carry on bag off the belt I turned and whispered to the guard "Yes" and pulled out the box and showed her the ring.  I admit my mind wasn't thinking completely straight, I'm wicked nervous at this point. Luckily the guard didn't think I was pulling a weapon out or anything.  She asked if my girlfriend knew and I shook my head no. This isn't when I planned for my girlfriend to find out but if I had to I would have done it there so we could move on.  The guard was very understanding and handled this the best and I am truly thankful, the surprise is still on.  What she had me do was stand aside, My girlfriend is a little suspicious at this point and probably getting nervous.  The Guard called another guy over with the wand to search me.  I secretly handed him the box he checked it out, ran the wand over me and gave me a pat down to make sure nothing else was in my pockets.  It was great they did their job and followed the protocols and I was able to keep my secret a little longer.  With all that behind us now we make are way up to the waiting area where we got out Keycards and handed a boarding number, it was 3.  My girlfriend at each one of these signs turns to me and says "This is going to be a great vacation". 
     We have to wait for a few hours but I have my tablet and we have headphones and some movies to watch.  When it was our turn to board we walked up the stairs and got in line to have the first of many pictures taken of us this week.  There are 3 stations set up all with the same background, a picture of the ship.  When it was our turn we got station 3.  She turned to put her bag down and I got down on one knee.  When she turned back she thought it was a joke at first.  I pulled out the box and said "Will you marry me?" and opened the box.  The photographer got a great shot of it, great for us as we are a little goofy. 

 She Said "yes"