a life-changing question: will you marry me?

On Friday I became engaged to Scott Bentley. Woo hoo! It’s 3 days later and I still feel like I’m on cloud 9.

My friend Kourtney called and left a message that the word on the street is that “Angie Bring got some bling.” I laughed out loud.

THE STORY

Scott found a great deal on a ticket and flew me up to Kansas City for a 3-day weekend to visit. I arrived Friday morning and then we drove to Crown Center for lunch, followed by a drive down to the Plaza south of downtown.

It was overcast and cold, but this Orlando woman was just so thankful to see fall.

I spotted 4 gorgeous, just-turned-orange trees next to a creek running next to the Plaza — I asked Scott if we could park and walk down there.

Scott took his phone out and turned it off. (Hmmmm. I missed that detail at the time.)

We took a picture in front of the trees and then crossed over to the other side, where there were benches to sit.

Then, Scott reached into his jacket. I thought he was going for his cell phone.

He pulled out a ring, looked at me with those incredible green eyes, got on his knee in front of me on the pavement and said, “I love you. Will you marry me?”

I was stunned. I grinned and said a glowing, “YES!”

My mind was whirling and I thought, “Oh my gosh! This is really happening!! THIS is what this feels like!”

After giving him the answer, I was like a broken record because I kept saying, “Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!”

Three women and a girl walked by and before I knew what I was doing I burst out, “I just got engaged!”

The women swarmed around and congratulated us, looking at my ring. I asked them if they’d take some pictures. (I’d just taken my camera out of my suitcase an hour before. Look how that worked out!)

After the women left, we talked more and I was a CNN reporter, asking for all the details…making him start at the very beginning.

He’s amazing. He drove to visit Mom and Dad in Lincoln to ask for their blessing in person — right after he got off work in Omaha Thursday night. How cool is that?

Another fun part of the story: he’d picked up the ring Thursday morning (the day before I flew in) and his plan was to propose Friday or Saturday. He’d thought he’d probably propose on Saturday morning at the little church where his parents married — but he said he couldn’t wait — and so when we walked down to the Creek he realized it would be the perfect time.

It was perfect, indeed, because I LOVE the outdoors, especially when it involves being in a beautiful setting. And fall is my favorite season. That’s what we got! I love how God orchestrated that.

We looked at rings at Borsheim’s last month and this beveled band was one I immediately fell in love with but didn’t know it’d be the one he’d give me!

I’m a blessed woman, indeed, and the ring is only a small part. 🙂

We walked around the Plaza for a bit and enjoyed holding hands with the new feel of an engagement ring involved. 🙂 Then, we jumped in the car and started driving to his uncle’s farm in northwest Missouri. On the way, we spotted this gas station. Love’s gas station. I think their motto should be, “Fuel your love.”

I mean, how can you NOT stop and take a picture?!

As I was in the restroom, Scott spotted a postcard of Brush Creek that was almost perfect to show where we got engaged. What a fun provision from God.

We bought 10. LOL. Thanks, mystery photographer who will never know what fans we are of you!

After I landed in Orlando, dear friends Virginia and Jennifer met me at 7-11 for a quick hug and we-want-to-check-out-your-ring visit. They told me to get in the back of their car (reminiscent of my senior year when I got kidnapped after making varsity tennis) and proceeded to lavish me with fun gifts.

Yay for gifts! Thus the face. (I was commanded to display the ring, too.)

Thanks, girls! You made my Sunday evening…make that 1 a.m. on Monday!

So…what next?

Scott asked what I’d think about not jumping right into planning the wedding. I was relieved to hear that because I have a feeling that when we start the planning “train” it will go full-speed ahead. And I don’t want to rush this.

We’re going to enjoy this season for a bit, relishing God’s incredible gift in bringing Lord Bentley and I together.

More details to come!