The Runaway Bride

After 2 weeks in Denver I left for the airport. My mother cried in the hallway. (For the record, Peterson women don't cry.) We argue, evade, picket (yes with actual signs) or shout. We do not cry. As her car drove off I watched her wipe the tears from her face as she glanced back to wave at me.

She told me that she felt she would never see me again because she was going to die. She told me that she thought "I was wonderful".

My mother is not warm. She's hilarious, entertaining and social. We love each other but we don't say it. We don't hug or kiss. We never have. So in the intial stage of my departure, I was off balance, moody and sad by this uncanny display of emotion.

After attending two Halloween parties the night of my departure with my adorable baby sister and her scrumptious children, where the wine was flowing I was wisked off to the airport.

On the plane I sat next to some Hollywood high roller who bought me more wine.

It was a late flight. I took a cab home around 1:00 AM. I was a little sad. Usually Vern would have picked me up. I got home but did not sleep. I had nightmares about my mother.

At 8:00 AM the next day Evil Surfer was on my doorstep. I was bleary eyed and irritated that he would come over uninvited. I wanted one day to decompress from my family and the wine.

He brought steaks, veggies and all the items he wanted me to cook that night. I don't know about you but I like planning my meals. We worked out and before you know it we were having fun. We were doing what we always do...work out, play frisbee and cook. I landed some fun trick moves like catch the frisbee behind your neck, under you leg...etc. Evil was so impressed.

After dinner we were prone on the couch and he popped the question. "How do you feel about spending the rest of your life with me?" There was no ring so it was not a real proposal, merely a fishing for a will-I-get-a-"yes" when I produce the ring.

Because I am deliriously romantic I replied, "Do you mean will I allow you to torture me for the rest of my life?"

That's when I heard the clip clop upon the stair. Of course, It was Vern.

Vern had sent me an email the night prior advising that he thought we would make a wonderful married couple. Wha?

The next day all hell broke loose.

I went from two marriage proposals to single. Ladies and Gentlemen, I've got skills.

When I had my date with Pool Boy I was not really available. Not really. I needed the marriage proposals from these two men to force me to consider if they were what I really wanted.

The moment they asked was the moment I knew.