Ben called the next day. And the day after that. They started meeting for coffee Saturday mornings before running in Central Park. They made a pact to try restaurants featuring different ethnic cuisines a couple of times a month, which turned into every week, which then was supplemented by nightly calls, which then was supplemented by spending every moment between Friday night and Monday morning together. They were finding more and more to like about each other as, together, they discovered New York. And come late October, Ben asked Maggie an important question.
“Maggie, do you suppose I could ask you to come to Michigan and meet my parents?”
She hesitated only a moment before answering, “Yes. Sure! I would love to see Ann Arbor. And meet your parents, of course.”
Ben and Maggie were in Central Park, having just finished their usual Saturday run. It was an absolutely beautiful day – mid-sixties and sunny. The trees were not quite at peak color, but they were nevertheless breathtaking.
“Well, then! That’s great! So, now that has been settled, there is just one more thing.” Ben got down on one knee, pulled out a ring case, opened it, and said, “Maggie, may I introduce you as my fiancée?”
The other morning runners, seeing a man on bent knee, stopped and formed a loose circle around the two. “Come on,” one started calling. “Go ahead!” said another. The ring of runners started clapping while continuing their enthusiastic encouragement. Maggie looked around and started laughing.
“Did you set this up?”
“Absolutely not!”
“Well, that’s a shame, because this is rather delightful.” She looked at him very tenderly. “Stand up, Dr. Tyler. Please do not bend before me. Stand beside me, and I will say yes.” She grabbed his hand and guided him up, to the roar of approval from the onlookers. Ben grabbed her by the waist and pulled her towards him.
“You have just made me the happiest man to have ever walked the face of the earth.”
“That’s quite a tall statement, sir,” teased Maggie. “But I am happy you feel that way. I love you, Frederick Benjamin Tyler. I would be proud and happy to be your wife.”
“And you will forever more be my Maggie May,” replied Ben, kissing her gently.
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