Saturday, February 24, 2001 I was sitting in my car with my sister Samantha. I told her that I was trying to figure out a way to propose and I gave her some of the ideas I had. Somehow, I remembered that Lynness and I had thought about a date at Barnes and Noble. That's when it hit me! Give the ring to her in a book, cut out to conceal it. So right then I told Sam about it and we went to Deseret Industries to find a book. Finding a book big enough and in great condition is not an easy task, but after a bit of searching Sam discovered a black dictionary that was in wonderful condition. That was it, 1972 copyright and all. It was perfect! After that I started the job of cutting a hole big enough for the ring. By Friday I finally had it cut out fully. Next I had to construct a way to draw Lynness' attention to the ring. Thankfully someone I had talked with had given me the perfect idea. Using words I would lead her to the ring. So with the plan in place, I anxiously awaited Saturday.
Friday, March 2, 2001 I went and made the final payment for the ring. Contrary to Lynness' belief, I had only had the ring a day when I proposed to her. I took Samantha and Gayle along to help me put the finishing touches on my perfect plan. After purchasing the ring and the oohs and aahs that go along with women and engagement rings, we purchased a bouquet of flowers and a rose for petals. That evening I dodged Lynness minutely in order to pick out the words leading to the crucial page. I then left for dinner and to attend the movie Testament and spent a wonderful evening with Lynness and Gayle and Michael. That night I tossed and turned as my mind contemplated unconsciously the upcoming event.
Saturday, March 3, 2001 we left early to go to the Mount Timpanogos temple. As we contemplated the day, Lynness suggested we hold off on attending Barnes and Noble until later in the evening. Not to be put off course, I finagled my way out of that, by explaining that the store got busy in the evening and it would be difficult to find a place to sit together. After attending the temple, we returned home to change for lunch and then go. While she changed, I quickly changed and called the friend I had selected to have the honor of taking the ring to Barnes and Noble for me. I was distraught to find out that he had something to do and wouldn't be able to make it. I was left hanging and was supposed to be back at Lynness' for lunch. What to do!? I quickly called some friends in the ward. They agreed to meet me and take the book, but when we attempted to meet we missed each other. So frantic as I was, I ran to the apartment of the friend, trying to conceal my whereabouts from Lynness. I burst through the door, with a distressed face, pleading for help. After being turned down I stated my plea such, "I'm trying to get engaged here, will you please help me!?" Finally, I procured the help of Lynness' roommate and her friend. Leaving the dictionary with them, I went running back home. Right after returning home, Lynness arrived wondering why I was taking so long. I brushed her question off and tried to slow my heart. I never did find out what happened to the friend I had arranged to meet.
After lunch, we headed up to Barnes and Noble, joking and enjoying the ride. Once there I explained the plan to separated and then meet back in the kiddies' section. So we separated to find our books. I made a few mistakes here. Little did I know that they would be mistakes, but they were. Anyway, I picked up a few books, mainly ones that appeared interesting and then met with Christianna to get the dictionary. I then returned to the area and waited while Lynness finished picking out her books. I the meantime I discussed with Christianna and her friend how they could take pictures, etc. Then Lynness returned with a nice large pile of books, including a few cake books. Anyone who knows Lynness should know her affinity to cake decorating. I was in for a good wait. So we started into our books. After awhile we arrived at a book I had picked of ancient maps. Lynness wanted to look at every page! I will never like a book of ancient maps again. At one point she went to the bathroom and I looked through some of her cake books and set them aside, hoping that she wouldn't notice. Finally after what must have been hours, we got to the dictionary. Now was the critical moment. I opened to the first page and explained what I wanted her to do. Each word had a little significance between us and lead to the next word, until she arrived at ring. I had previously come around the table so that I would have easy access to the floor, in order to kneel, and as she reached ring, I grabbed the ring box and opened it to reveal the ring she had hand picked. I then asked her that most important question, "Will you marry me?" She said, "yes," and we embraced as Christianna clicked pictures. As we left, I pulled the waiting bouquet out of my trunk and escorted Lynness to the door and we were engaged!