It had been decided a couple of weeks ago that since I would have to work on my actual birthday that Cisco and I would go out for dinner on Thanksgiving, since I would be off from work for sure on that night. I also enjoyed the idea because I would definately steer clear of any family drama at my mom's if there should be any, and that's always a good thing.
That morning Cisco had suggested going to Olives at the Bellagio, and I had never been there and neither had he, so it sounded like a great plan. We arrived fairly early, so we walked around and looked at the atrium set up that they had, was amazed at how long the line for the Buffet was, but I was just amazed at how busy they were period. It was Thanksgiving, and I knew that there were people that didn't celebrate that holiday so they would come to Vegas, but I've never been out to witness it. We walked over near the "O" theater and looked at the scuptures, then went to the bar, had a drink and watched some football. Cisco swore he saw Vince Vaughn so I turned around and when I faced forward again, slightly disapointed I saw tickets for "O" in front of me. That was my birthday present. I loved it, I've wanted to see the show for a long time, but never was interested in paying the ton of money that the tickets seem to always cost for it.
After our drinks we headed over to Olives in hopes of getting a table early, it wasn't ready so we had ordered a drink at the bar. While sitting there we looked around the restaurant and it was packed. We looked towards the window and noticed that they had patio seating, Cisco had asked what if they seat us outside. I was clearly against it, because it was cold and I am still getting over a really nasty cold that lingered forever. I had told him that they would have to stick that warmer over me and under the table for me to even consiter it.
The hostess came over to us to take us to the table and headed straight for the door to the patio. I was not real enthusiastic, but not willing to complain about anything. I was so surprised when we went to our seats because it was really nice and warm under those heaters, ok, so I was wrong. Our table was right at the railing so we had a beautiful view of the water show that came on throughout the dinner as well as the view of the strip. There was no wind and no clouds so it was a perfect evening.
We had such a wonderful dinner, a nice bottle of wine, and so many people romancing us with their music, from Frank Sinatra (Fly Me To The Moon), Sara Brightman and Andrea Bocelli (Time to Say Goodbye) with wonderful water works also.
While sitting there we were talking and Cisco had told me that he loved me, said he didn't have a ring right at that moment to give me, but took my had and told me how much he loved me and how he wanted to marry me. He wanted us to be alone, with no family, no kids, no dogs, so that we could have that moment together. I cried and said yes, kissed quite and bit and I cried some more.
We went to the show later and didn't let go of eachother throughout the whole show.
For all of you that have been near and dear to me for many years, you know that this relationship has been through quite a bit, but has endured all of the ups and downs. Like all realationships and facts of life things fall and get scratched, souls included, but it's about how you pick up the pieces and try to make them whole again. In that I think that we have succeeded. I don't think that it's quite fair to say "About time" when talking about our engagement only because there is a lot more to our history, his and mine, that have to go into account, I think that this engagement came when the time was right and the time is finally here so that is good. I'm thankful for all the family and friends that I have gained along the way, and I so look forward to all of the wonderful memories that I still have to gain.
To my Desmond...
I love you more than life itself. I have spent 9 years with you and in those 9 years, we have been through quite a bit. I'm so thankful that I have never given up on us...and I'm glad that you have done the same. In these 9 years you have gained a son and I a daughter. I couldn't be more proud of the family that we have become and what lays in our future. I'm so excited and I can't wait till we go over that bridge and begin the new chapter of our life together. I love you so much my love and couldn't ask for anything more than what I have in you and us. I love you and I'm so excited to be able to tell people that I have a fiance and not a boyfriend. I can't wait to be Melissa Salinas...
~M
