The proposal itself was no surprise to Angela. Talks of a possible engagement was unavoidable from early on. When you know, you know.

I couldn’t help myself but to drop one too many suggestive remarks about the timing. Angela was able to quietly calculate the proposal down to two possible dates: New Years Eve or New Years Day. To narrow it down further, Angela asked me, “Which night should I wear my new dress?” I replied, “New Years Day.” I knew what she was asking, and she was right.

The day had come. That evening, Angela was expecting a sunset dinner on the west side of Oa’hu at the Four Seasons resort. “I read this was the best sunset view on the island,” I suggested casually. “We might walk the beach a bit before or after dinner,” I added. However, dinner was a decoy. When we arrived, Angela knew something else was up. I had pulled into a marina instead of the resort. Waiting for us in the parking lot was a boat captain. I had chartered a private boat to watch the sunset on the water — something I knew she would love.

We sat on the daybed at the front of the boat. We both knew we were moments away from engagement. There was an excited anticipation mixed with a calm knowing. It wasn’t really a question of “yes or no,” but an inevitability and a sense of culmination that had built since we first met. I knew in our hearts, we had already said yes to each other, the proposal was more of an acknowledgment. Finally out of the marina, we were surrounded by beauty: still waters that were deep blue, an orange setting sun to our left, and to our right were numerous rainbows against the green mountains. We couldn’t help but continually say, “look” or “wow,” pointing this way and that.

Sunset was at 6:01, and I was to propose at 5:45. With about ten minutes to go, I went back to the cabin to get the ring. While back there, the crew member hesitantly mentioned that she was a photographer and that she brought her camera on board. She said, “I know you said you wanted privacy, but I could get my camera out if you like and take some pictures afterwards.” How could I not say yes.

Back on the daybed, Angela and I resumed the “looks” and “wows.” At 5:40, as planned, “Angela” by the Lumineers started playing. Angela’s eyes bright and wide looked over and said, “What’s happening?!” The question didn’t need an answer, I just smiled and held her closer. Oh, Angela, it’s a long time coming. The guitar rhythm matched the breeze across our faces. The only love I ever found. The clouds were glowing more orange. Angela, on my knees, I belong, I believe. The rainbows more vivid against a distant raincloud. Home at last. The music stopped.

I didn’t script the next part. I didn’t know where we’d be sitting, or how we’d be feeling. All I knew was that I wanted my heart to do the talking. Our arms already around each other, foreheads nearly touching, I whispered my words. A version of, “I love you. I want to spend my life you. I want start a family together, want to make the world a better place together.” Then, “You once told me that we pay for life in heartbeats. I want to spend mine with you.” Then, awkwardly, “I have no idea how I’m supposed to get down on one knee on this boat, but should we try?” Angela giggled and nodded yes.

Seconds later, on one knee, I pulled the ring box from my pocket, and asked, “Angela, will you marry me?”

The next few hours were another level of joy. We tried to stay centered through the excitement to be sure we soaked up the moments. After the sun set and the rainbows disappeared, the grand show continued with a nearly full moon reflecting bright and beautifully off the water. “Look!” and “wow!,” we said.

We made it back to the Four Seasons for dinner. The reservation said, “We’ll be coming from a proposal. I hope she says yes.” Walking up to the host, I gave my name. She asked, “Any news to share?” I replied, “She said yes!”

— Written by Joshua