We don’t know how anyone else has done proposals but we had many:

 

#1. After talking about marriage some, Lake bought herself and Hugh some cool silicone wedding bands so we could wear them climbing and avoid degloving. You should avoid looking that up. She pre-posed at home to a shocked and speechless (and delighted) Hugh and they celebrated at The Smith afterwards (and got three free desserts!!)

 

#2. After talking about marriage and telling our moms and best friends, Hugh and Lake designed engagement rings in November. They took forever to get made but finally Lake’s arrived in February. Laura was staying over and a bunch of Lake’s friends were in town for the Robyn concert. Hugh suggested that Lake and Laura have some girl time and get their nails done and then all three of them when to a psychic for palm readings. Laura got advice like “owning a home will be difficult but rewarding” while the psychic told Lake that there might be some distance in her relationship; was her partner long distance? After explaining that, no, we live together in a teensy room together, the psychic said she saw good things ahead. Laura, Lake, and Hugh came home, where Hugh got down on one knee and said some lovely things and Lake started to cry immediately. Laura caught some of it on film and then we all drank champagne. As previously scheduled, Lake and her St. A’s siblings all trundled down to the newly revamped DC wharf to dance the night away at the Robyn concert.

 

#3. Hugh’s ring wasn’t made for another few months. Lake and Hugh had a delightful Sunday morning and went out to the park to lay in the hammock and enjoy some fresh air, as they have done many summer weekends. While listening to Jim Dale’s rendition of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix book on tape, Lake turned to Hugh and asked him to be her life partner. She produced a ring from her pocket, the one he had waited so long for! He smiled wide and said yes.