Unexpected Proposal |
|||
31 July 2006. It is a beautiful summer afternoon, enjoyed by the Laurent and Michelet families who take the opportunity to get better acquainted in the very nice Mediterranean surroundings of Gemenos. Eric’s sister, Véronique, is here as well with her husband Guillaume and their three children.
With no prior notice, Eric comes and kneels in front of astonished Isabelle, presents a small box to her and whispers: “My love, will you be my wife?” Several seconds are necessary for the assembly to understand what is happening. Eternal seconds during which Isabelle, utterly confused, realizes that although she has spent her entire adult life to defend the position of free, single women – and proud to be so – Eric’s proposal overwhelms her and fills her with joy. She hides her emotion behind the frail shield of her hands while clinging to Eric. As deeply moved as her, Eric hangs on to the surrounding reality and turns towards Jacques. “Mr. Michelet, may I ask your daughter’s hand in marriage?” “This requires some thinking”, is the half-fond half-mocking response, which sets the tone. Isabelle and Eric can recover a bit while everybody laughs and jokes.
Finally, Isabelle can open the famous little box. Intrigued by all the commotion, Thibault comes to have a look at what is so obviously important for his mother, and admires the ring that finds its natural place on Isabelle’s ring finger.
The remaining of the afternoon is a bit blurred in our memories. We try hard to put on a straight face and to have civil conversations with our families, but all the while we in fact float on a cloud of happiness, very far away…
|
