The Question

August 29, 2013 - 10:15 pm
St. Elmo's Steak House, Indianapolis

Patrick had the ring for nearly two months before he asked me to marry him, and I had no idea he was planning to propose. A girl hopes and dreams - that's what we do because we're girls - but really, I had no clue it was coming. My future husband is a sneaky little devil! But in the best possible way.

I've been in love with this man for a long time, but I've loved him even longer. I know that sounds strange because for most of my life, I thought "in love" and "love" were one and the same. And I suppose the phrase "for a long time" is relative. I've loved him since I realized who he was and how he thinks and what matters in his life. I've loved his strength and intelligence and logic. I've loved his height and stature and eyes and gigantic smile. The falling in love was gradual, if I'm going to be honest (with both you and myself), and it probably took over a year before I felt it truly, madly, deeply.

Our relationship really doesn't fit the mold. It was not love at first sight, but there was attraction, mutual appreciation, honesty and, consequently, respect.

Truth be told, and I've told this truth over and over to whomever would listen: I kinda had to chase him. He's a very intelligent man, however. He knew what he was doing. If it weren't for the chase, I'm not sure we would be where we are today: About to be Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Topolinski, forever and ever. His careful navigation through the early days of our friendship and then our relationship paved the way for a level of trust and a deep appreciation for one another that I did not know was possible. Patrick was my closest ally when my world fell apart in more ways than one, and he encouraged me to date after my divorce, meet new people, and try new things. I dated. I met people. I tried new things. And he was a constant source of support throughout the process as I discovered who I was and what I wanted in life and love. Turns out I really did want him, it wasn't just a rebound or a new relationship to jump into so that I wasn't alone. By the time we committed to one another, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to be his wife. He is my perfect match in every way.

Our first kiss was, literally, the best kiss of my life. It was so charged with emotion and electricity that I actually saw sparkles. Then, in August of 2010, at Ike's restaurant in the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Patrick told me for the very first time that he loves me. It was the most amazing moment, complete with a well-timed delivery of fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies - I kid you not.

Three years later, he took me to St. Elmo's in downtown Indianapolis for the finest steak dinner and spicy shrimp cocktail money could buy. Just as I finished my creme brulee and he his chocolate cake that should have been cheesecake (don't ask), he pulled out a ring and put it on my finger. While looking me directly in the eye, he said this:

"I never want to be without you. I love you so much. Will you marry me?"

I had only dreamed of hearing him say those words. It had been my wish every time I saw a shooting star or watched the clock click over to 11:11. It was exactly what I wanted.

And so I laughed. And then I laughed some more. And then I questioned my hearing, reality, and my sanity and so I said, "Wait. What?" The absurdity of my own question only made me laugh harder until he smiled with those gorgeous eyes and said, "What's the answer?"

The answer is (drumroll, please)........

Yes.

Yes, my sweet, wonderful, charming, handsome, manly, dreamy Patrick. The answer is yes. Yes, I will  marry you before God and the most important people in our lives. Yes, I will be your wife. Yes, I will live all of my life by your side. Yes, I will love you through sickness and health until death do us part. Yes. Oh, yes.




1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.