What really happened
For men
Dave proposed on May 16, 2003. Evelyn agreed the same day.
For women
Key: What Dave said is in blue. What Evelyn said is in red. 'Quotation marks' surround exact quotations.
Monday (May 12, 2003)
An evening at the playground. Let's go out to dinner Friday night. We haven't had a dinner date in a while.
Friday (May 16, 2003)
7:00 pm. He called to tell her he was running late and that she should bring a jacket.
7:15 pm. He showed up with roses and lilies. She was on the phone. They went to French Market Grill, the location of their dinner on Valentine's Day. After dinner, he asked her if she was ready for an adventure.
9:30 pm. They arrived at River Walk, the location of their first date (1/9/03). They started walking along the river, and she pointed out a white magnolia. I forgot my camera, let's go get it from the car. After some discussion, they retrieved the camera and continued walking along the river.
10:30 pm. He suggested they sit at a bench. He chose it because it was available and there was no one around. While seated, she pointed out that it was the same bench on which they had had a significant conversation. Do you know how much I like you? Of course, you've told me. I told you I like you, but I never said how much — I was always holding back. I love you. I've never told a man this, but, 'David R. Bickel, I love you.' I want to love you, to honor you, and to cherish you for the rest of my life. Good. I have something for you. He fumbled for a small wad of tissue paper that was in his pocket. She was staring as he unwrapped it. Once the ring was out of the paper, he got down on one knee and put it on her finger. He looked into her eyes and said, 'Will you marry me?' She looked at him in disbelief for a while, then finally nodded her head and mumbled affirmatively, 'mmm hmm.' He sat back on the bench and hugged her. She was very excited, almost hysterical, and she repeatedly expressed her amazement, surprise, shock, and joy. (She did not think he would propose before October.) They discussed who knew; she was glad to learn that he had the approval of her parents, and that he had talked to her sister. They started discussing a wedding date. Have you thought about when we'll get married? I heard weddings take at least three months to plan, so the earliest would be August. Another possibility is something in October since that's the month of my birthday. As they were walking back to the car, they stopped at a bench to give God thanks and to pray for their marriage and for their relatives and friends. They also thanked God that, even though they did not deserve to be heard by God, they could come to him since he had punished his Son for their sins, instead of punishing them as they deserved. What does that mean?
Midnight. They arrived at the home of her mom to find her on the phone with her sister. Evelyn got to tell them about it simultaneously.
Monday (May 19, 2003)
They set the wedding time and place: October 18, 2003 at the First Presbyterian Church of Augusta (Presbyterian Church in America).
