The Proposal

By: Jeryl and Kenneth Malloy

It was late August 2015. Emily and Conor were about to be engaged. There was a giant swell of anticipation and excitement amongst those of us “in the know”. Linda and Ray had arrived as our guests in Little Compton, RI where a stealth plan was underway.

We had some time to kill before the big moment and decided to get our swimsuits on and head to the beach. It was a gorgeous day and the kids suggested we all jump off the 20 ft high Bluff. Ray had recently finished treatments and commented how he was quite pale and out of shape. I thought to myself “good I can sit this one out with Ray and just watch from the shore“. To my surprise, as you can see from the photo, determined Ray jumped right off the bluff joining the kids in the waters below. I was impressed to say the least and he, I know, felt invigorated.

What was also impressive to me, was how well Ray knew Linda. We found out that he hadn’t told her about the impending proposal and when asked why he said “ because Linda can’t keep a secret.” I felt bad for Linda, but thought Ray must know best. It was a challenge for the remainder of the time to keep Linda in the dark. How was I going to hide my nervous excitement and pretend this was just another ordinary day in LC?  Conor’s proposal plan was set. He and Emily were to play a couple of holes of golf and he’d get down on one knee on the 2nd hole by the water, as the sun was beginning to set. We had a plan too. Spy from a distance and then celebrate. It was time to put our plans in action. We brought Linda and Ray up to our rooftop which overlooks the golf course.  Linda assumed it was your basic “come see our view”. We took out the binoculars and cameras and after taking in the view we began to spy on Em and Con playing golf. I can only imagine what Linda was thinking.

Ray handed Linda the binoculars, but she was reluctant to focus on Emily and Conor, thinking what is the big deal? But, we could see that Conor had gotten down on one knee. Ray then shouted “look Linda look.“ Linda quickly focused in catching Emily jumping up and down with delight as Conor slid a ring on her finger. It was priceless to see the look on Linda’s face as she lowered the binoculars and realized what was happening. Tears of joy and shrieks of excitement were to follow. In that moment I realized truly, why Ray had kept the proposal a secret. It was to give Linda the thrill of seeing Emily and Conor’s engagement unfold before her eyes. He was so right. He knew her so well.

The kids rushed over from the golf course and the celebrations continued into the night. It was truly one of the most memorable times of our lives.

We will cherish it and Ray for all our days.

Love,
Jeryl and Kenneth Malloy