THE ENGAGEMENT.

I can't believe I'm writing this story.  In bed.  With my fiancé!

The happiest day of my life finally came last Friday in the little town of Rincon, Puerto Rico.

After an amazing few days in San Juan with Dom's family (which I will be writing about soon) we headed over to Rincon, where my family is from, for the last few days with both our families together.  My father's birthday was Sunday, so Dom's parents were amazing actors and decided it would be fun to book a sunset cruise to celebrate his birthday.  Little did I know the cruise had been booked for months!

There were about 20 people on the cruise, but the little boat that brought you to the catamaran only fit about 10, so the 9 of us headed on the first ride over.  Once we got there we started taking a million pictures by the back of the boat.  After taking a bunch my dad said there was something weird about Dom and my picture and he wanted to retake it. 

I had no idea my life was about to change forever.

I got to the back of the boat, and instead of posing next to me Dom took my hands and said, "I want you to listen very carefully to what I'm about to say..."

"...no matter what I promise to always live colorfully with you." 

And then I blacked out.

Okay, not really, but to be honest I don't remember what happened after his speech!  I remember him going down on one knee, but don't remember him asking me to marry him or saying yes.  Apparently I said yes before he even finished the question! What can I say? I was excited! I am so thankful there were 7 people and a million cameras documenting it!

Then there were tears and hugs, so many congratulations, and once the rest of the people got on board the cocktails started flowing!  

Fun fact: The actress who plays Detective Collins on Law and Order SVU was on the catamaran too (I was one of the only ones who didn't know who she was apparently!) and she came over and asked to see the ring and congratulated Dom and me.  I wish I had known who she was before we got off the boat!

For the next 3 hours we cruised around and watched the sunset, all while talking everything wedding and staring at my bling!

The ring on my middle finger is my promise ring from Dom.  I am seriously loving the upgrade! ;)

The ring is absolutely gorgeous and exactly what I've always wanted.  Even more, I loved hearing how Dom picked out each diamond himself, and knew immediately which setting he wanted.  He knew exactly what I would love, and it is just perfect!  Even now I'm trying to type but it keeps sparkling at me!  

After the cruise we headed to a restaurant by the water to continue the celebration.  Over cocktails and some of the best seafood I have ever had I got to hear the stories that lead up to that night.  It turns out Dom has been planning this since July, and asked my father for his blessing in September.  Dom's mother also had been my own personal Frodo and had the ring in her purse the whole vacation!  She was too worried to leave it in the safe, so regardless of if we were at dinner or the beach, it was with her.  Needless to say she was relieved it was finally out of her hands!  It was so much fun to hear everyone's stories and share in the excitement of the day!

I can't believe how lucky I am to get to be Mrs. Marino.  Dom is one of the greatest men I know, and I don't know why I get to be his forever, but I am so happy.  Friday, January 3rd was the happiest day of my life, but little did I know the engagement surprises were just beginning! That fiancé of mine had quite a few more surprises up his sleeve... ;)