In one of our conversations about relationships, I once mentioned to Cliff that no couple should get engaged until they have celebrated every holiday. Well, he made sure that we celebrated each one. Then, for our anniversary, he surprised me with a limo and a trip to an ice-skating rink that he had reserved for the two of us. He even gave them a soundtrack of our favorite love songs to play. I thought he was trying to recreate my fall, but this time, he was the one to hit the floor when he got down on one knee to ask me to marry him. I still remember his loving expression and how my cheeks felt from smiling so hard!

I had it all planned. I had played it through my head a hundred times. I became a master of deep-breathing techniques. Little did I know that no amount of preparation could ready me for the emotions that coursed through my body as Ari and I skated toward the center of the rink.

It's a secret, so don't tell Ari that I got down on one knee not out of my own volition but instead due to the most powerful physiological reaction I have ever experienced! Not until she said yes did my strength return to me, and every day we grow stronger together.