We decided to take a trip to Florida in August 2011. Little did I know what Nick had up his sleeve. I figured he would get around to proposing, I just thought it would be a while. We stayed in Seagrove, but there is a well-known seafood restaurant in Panama City called Captain Anderson’s. It’s been in business since the ’60s and is run by the Petronis family, who are Greek. When we were planning the trip, Nick told me about going there as a boy and playing with the owner’s son. He said we should eat dinner there one night during our stay. I said great because I love seafood! He made reservations for a Saturday night and when we arrived, we were seated at a cozy table.
I noticed Nick looked a little pale and didn’t pull out my chair, which wasn’t like him. He asked our waitress if Theo was working, so she went to get him. Once Theo saw us, he said we were at the wrong table and moved us to one of the two tables looking out over the marina. It had a white tablecloth and a vase of red roses. I just thought we were getting special treatment because Nick knew the family and he was Greek. The food was delicious, but I noticed Nick wasn’t eating many crab claws, which was unlike him. He also spilled his Scotch. I was clueless and kept eating. I’m a slow eater and the waitress tried to take my plate away before I was finished, but I wouldn’t let her. I ate every last scallop! I had no idea that most of the staff was behind me. This restaurant seats over 500 people, so they have a large staff. When I finally allowed her to take my plate, I asked to see the dessert tray because they looked amazing! I told her what I wanted and she left.
The next thing I know, an elderly Greek man wheeled a pretty cake with yellow roses out. I thought it was for the couple at the other table with roses, but he stopped in front of our table. Again, I thought we were getting special treatment because of Nick. My ring was tucked into one of the roses, but I didn’t even notice! I was talking to the man. He finally nudged me and I looked down and saw sparkles. It took me a few seconds to figure out what was going on. The next thing I know, Nick is in front of me on his knee proposing! I was shocked beyond belief! Everyone in the restaurant was clapping and cheering, and one of the customers across from us was taking a video. I don’t know how Nick pulled it off without me knowing, because I usually know everything, but I was truly shocked!
Tammie Thessing Photography took these shots.