Chapter 28:
Jack’s Extravagant Proposal
One week before Valentine’s Day, Sue’s parents came for a visit. Jack, Sue, and her parents
went out to dinner together. Afterwards, they went back to Jack’s house. While
Sue takes her mother on the grand tour. Jack shows Sue’s dad his game room and he asks Sue’s dad the all important
question.
Jack: Mr.
Thomas, I would like your permission to have Sue’s hand in marriage. I didn’t want to ask you this over the phone,
that’s why I’m glad you are both here. Of course, Sue does not know any of this. I would like to keep her in the dark just for a little longer. (megawatt smile)
Sue’s
Dad: You have my blessing. My wife and I are so thrilled. The only thing I have left to say is Welcome to the family, Jack.
When are you planning to propose to my daughter? (smile)
Jack: Next
week is Valentine’s Day. That’s when I’m going to propose. I have a plan but I would like your help. (megawatt smile)
Sue’s
Dad: That’s a wonderful idea. Next to Christmas, Valentine’s Day is Sue’s favorite holiday. She is going
to be overjoyed. Whatever you need me to do, I’m there. (smile)
Jack: Thank you,
Mr. Thomas. I just need you and Mrs. Thomas to keep mum about my plan to propose. And I need to find out Sue’s exact
ring size. I will take care of the rest. (megawatt smile)
Sue’s Dad: Don’t worry about
a thing. I’ll wait until we are back at our hotel before sharing the great news with my wife. Tomorrow I’ll call
you to let you know Sue’s ring size. Before we go back to our women, I would like to give you some father-in-law advice. There are five secrets to a successful marriage as I know it: A) Never
go to bed angry, communication is the key. B) Always tell your wife you love
her every day even if she drives you crazy and believe that can happen a lot when you are married. C) Cherish every minute
you have together because tomorrow is always unknown. D) Make my daughter happy for the rest of her life and you won’t
have any problems with me. E) Always trust one another and never take your love for granted. (smile)
Jack: Thanks, Mr. Thomas.
I will definitely take your advice to heart. Rest assured that making Sue happy is my number on goal. (megawatt smile)
Sue’s Dad:
That’s all I needed to know. In case I haven’t said so…my almost-son-in-law, you are the best thing that
has ever happened to Sue. (smile)
Jack: Sue’s
the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am a very lucky man. Thank you for welcoming me into your family. (megawatt
smile)
Sue’s
Dad: Thank you for asking my permission for Sue’s hand in marriage. It means so much to me.
I know you two are going to live happily-ever-after for a very long time. (smile)
Jack and Sue’s dad hug and give each other a pat on the back. They went
back to join Sue and her mom in the living room where they ate Sue’s mom famous ice cream dessert. Soon, her parents
leave and Sue goes back to her apartment. Jack is in his bedroom, mentally checking off his to-do-list for Valentine’s
Day. He wants next weekend to be unforgettable for both of them.
At
the bullpen the day before Cupid’s Day
Jack has a medium-size jar full of conversation candy hearts on his desk. Bobby grabs a handful of
the candy and pops them in his mouth. Bobby wants to know what Jack has planned for Valentine’s Day.
Bobby: Hey Sparky, what are your plans for Cupid’s Day? (smile)
Jack: Nothing you need to know Crash. (megawatt smile and laughs)
Bobby: I know that look. You’re up to something. (smile and laughs)
Jack: I’m not up to anything. You are suspicious by nature. On second
thought, you can come over and we can play a game of darts. (megawatt smile and laughs)
Bobby: Great. I’ll beat you at darts and get you to spill your Valentine’s
Day secrets. (smile and laughs)
Jack: You won’t get anything out of me Crash. And stop stealing all
the conversation candy hearts on my desk. They are not for you to munch on. (megawatt smile and laughs)
Jack has set up hidden cameras all around the house to capture Sue’s reaction to his gifts and
proposal. Bobby and Jack have finished their dart game. Now, Jack asks Bobby to see if he can find all the hidden cameras.
Bobby: Pretty snazzy stuff. Mind telling me why you need hidden cameras in your house?
(smile and laughs)
Jack: I am testing the hidden cameras to see which ones work best for our unit. We have
to keep up with new technology if we want to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. (megawatt smile and laughs)
Bobby: I see. So this little experiment of yours has nothing whatsoever to do with Sue?
(smile and laughs)
Jack: No. I need your expertise in locating all the hidden cameras. (megawatt smile and
laughs)
Bobby: Why don’t I believe you? (smile and laughs)
Jack: Oh alright. I’ll tell you my secret. But if
word gets back to you know who before I get a chance to ask her, you’re dead meat. (megawatt smile and laughs)
Bobby: You’re finally going to
pop the question to Sue. And I didn’t even have to push you to get to this point. (smile and laughs)
Jack: Yeah. I
bought an engagement ring all by myself. I think Sue will be thrilled with her surprise tomorrow. (megawatt smile and laughs)
Bobby: But tomorrow is Valentine’s
Day. No wonder you needed me to come over and check out the hidden cameras for you. I am so happy for you, mate. (smile and
laughs)
Jack:
Sue hasn’t said yes and she might even turn me down. (megawatt smile and laughs)
Bobby:
Oh please, everyone knows Sue is spellbound by you. I predict she’ll be over the moon and showing off her ring in no
time. Do Lucy and the others know about your idea? (smile, laughs, and pat
on the back)
Jack: Nope. And
it better stay that way or else you’ll be a dead man walking, Crash. (megawatt smile and laughs)
Bobby: No worries. Thanks for telling me the good news
first. (smile and a hug)
Bobby searched Jack’s house top to bottom and managed to find all but two hidden cameras. They play three more
dart games and drink beer. Two hours later Bobby went home, Jack reposition all the hidden cameras in the house. Jack went
to his bedroom and is lying in bed unable to sleep. Jack rehearses what he is going to say when he proposes to Sue. He is
raring to go at the same time nervous about Sue’s response.
