The Engagement

Just by chance

There's a bit of a long story here. Katie was shopping for girlfriend presents when she came across a pebble inscribed with the word 'love'. Valentine's day was not far off and she thought this would make a lovely present for her man. Then, as she dug deeper in the basket of pebbles, there was a flash of colour. A red pebble. Curiosity got the better of her and she dug it out. 'Marry me,' it said. She nearly dropped it. Surely here was a sign. She paid for the pebbles, trying not to meet the shop keeper's eye, and tucked them away. One day...

Romance in the air

The next weekend brought a romantic break near the beautiful Budle Bay in north Northumberland. Saturday dawned a brisk bright winter day, with snow on the sand and the sun in a blue, blue sky. A walk on Bamburgh beach would be the highlight of the day. Armed with cameras and fortified by a fine Northumbrian breakfast, off they set. It would be magical. Would this be the right day to pop the pebble? Katie's heart began to thump. 'I'm just going back for a hankie.'  Katie threw the remark innocently over her shoulder. Dashing back to the room, she placed the love pebble in her left pocket, and the red pebble in her right. They nestled deep in the down.

Bamburgh beach

The beach was breath-taking, and more than an hour passed in spectacular photo opportunities provided by kite surfers, castle, islands and sharp shadows and reflections on the sand. her boy was totally absorbed, as happy as a sand boy. She would not interrupt. The time came to head for the Aged Ps. They tore themselves away and headed up to the dunes. A magical morning. Surely a moment to sieze...

The popping

Katie dipped into her lefthand pocket. 'Look what I found on the beach!' she said, wide-eyed. The love stone was pressed into Euan's hand, and he marvelled at the heart-shape, the smoothness and, 'Look,' he said, 'it's even got something etched on it...'

'Hold out your other hand and close your eyes!' Katie pressed the red heart into his palm. The rest, as they say, is history.

Bamburgh beach 30 Jan 2010 Bright sunshine, strong shadows, reflections and sky, sky, sky.	The boy in his element We had a ball with our cameras, the morning just whizzed by...
Look what I found.... Note the un-premeditated hat.	He said yes!!!! Euan paused for all of 10 seconds before taking the plunge.
Cards and cake and bubbles and bling! So many cards, so much champagne, a fabulous cake and the sparkliest engagement ring ever!	Those darn' pebbles!