romance on a stone

by jason white
(middlesbrough uk)

Me and my partner live in Middlesbrough Uk, not a particular scenic area, apart from the coast! We've spent the last 4 yrs happily taking each day as it comes, not wanting anything more than what we are happy and content with, but I decided she deserved more from me to bind our already strong relationship, so I scoured all the main jewelry branches and net sites for weeks until I found the perfect gift. Always trying to be spontaneous, I told her to get a few days off from her stressful 12hr shift work because I want to take her somewhere amazing and totally refreshing. She got really excited and we both couldn't wait for the following week to arrive.
The anticipation was overwhelming and agonizing but finally the day came all packed up and raring to go and I tell her we are going to the lakes district. She wasn't quite sure what to expect now as shes never been anywhere like that before but I assured her it will be amazing.
A few hours later we entered the lakes and her jaw dropped just at the sight of the first set of mountain range at the foot of ulleswater, I was loving it such a beautiful place and only 100miles from home, I kept telling myself this is goin to be a few days to remember.
we arrive in Keswick the main town, bustling with back packers and ramblers wich gave me a feeling of freedom and excitment but of course my partner headed straight for the nearest gift shop!
After spending the day exploring pretty much all of the lakes and valleys we came to rest back at Derwent water in Keswick parked the car up at the waters edge and watched the sun setting over the mountains for hours till dark.
After a really unpleasant night of camping we got up feeling suprisingley fresh and wanting to see more, I took her down to windermere and boarded us on a mini cruise of the massive water. she enjoyed this a lot more than I expected and was well worth doing. After that I drove us through kirkstone pass which is an amazing road that cuts through the mountains and gives amazing views at the top near 'hart stop' a must do if you're headed back that way!
We arrived at the final destination 'Aira Force' knowing how much she loves waterfalls this would be a treat. So not to arouse suspicion half way through the woods leading up to the falls I pretend I left my camera at the car so I can go back to hide the gift I bought her in the camera case, racing back from the car to catch her up we are nearly at the falls and the closer I get the more my heart starts pounding.
After a good walk around the huge waterfall she picks out a spot on a large boulder rite on the waters edge at the top of the fall.
We sat together her in between my legs watching the water cascade down for a few minutes talking about what we wanted in the future then as she looks away I pull out the gift, a diamond ring and place in in front of her, she is overwhelmed with shock and is speechless with tears streaming down her face. she did say yes in case you were wondering.