YOUR TIME IS UP. DO YOU HAVE AN ANSWER?



On a frigid November evening, Brett informed Hayley of a surprise trip out of Richmond, away from a credit crisis, piling exams and school workload, and the inevitable anxiety of "What's the right gift for everyone this holiday?"

The trip was a short one, just up 64 to Keswick Hall: a cozy and romantic getaway destination. The purpose: proportedly just an escape from the grueling reality of life.

Obviously, this trip was more than just an escape and Brett knew it would be tough to keep the cat in the bag all the way to dinner on the second night.

Unexpectedly, we ran into then Senator-elect Mark Warner in the hotel bar. When Mark heard about our weekend away and found out that Hayley was just a "girlfriend", his eyes widened and a devilish grin came across his face. Fortunately, for Brett, Mark's wife, Lisa arrived just in time to drag him out of the bar as he continued to look bar at Brett with a few combinations of thumbs up and old-western gunslinger.

Needless to say, the remaining hours of our trip, including a champagne/chocolate turn down and hot cider beside the giant common fireplace, which should have been a relaxing time for Brett in any other environment, were nothing more than minute after minute of excruciating terror wondering whether or not the dinner on Saturday evening would go according to plan.

At last, dinner came. We had a 3 course meal in which we could order ANY THREE DISHES (e.g. three main courses if you so choose). Well, that would have been all well and good had Hayley not decided that this time (the first time perhaps in her life), she would forgo the dessert for two equally delectable appetizers that she simply could not choose between.

Now, on any occassion, Hayley's decision to alter the course of history would actually be inconsequential, well, all except for this one meal. You see, the ring was to be her dessert special.

Over the course of the next hour and a half, Hayley continued to inquire with Brett about why he seemed a little preoccupied. "Appetizer not sitting well?"

Finally, the moment of truth. Just when I was about to give up all hope that a solution could be found, the maitre d' approached Hayley and said, "Excuse me ma'am, I know you didn't plan to order dessert tonight, but my I show you our special anyway?"

With that, a small box appeared (cheers and excitement abound), and Brett immediately jumped to his feet, shoving the maitre d' aside as he positioned himself (on one knee of course) for the all important words: "Will you marry me?"

With all the commotation and thrill of moment, Hayley didn't respond verbally.

Finally, Brett laid down the law (the last time he ever will again, it should be noted) and said, "I am going to need an explicit decision on this one please"

The answer finally came and the rest is history. The result of this moment for you? A wonderful reason to book a flight to Italy!

Keswick Hall