Fairytale of new York
melanie Walker, 28, from Falkirk, got the surprise of her life during a christmas trip to the Big apple
The lights, the snow, the skyscrapers...
New York truly is a magical place, especially at Christmas time.
So in December last year, I was bursting with excitement to jet out there with my best friend Cheryl, 30, for a four-night girls’ holiday.
On 14 December, my bags were packed and I was ready to leave for the airport.
But while I couldn’t wait to get there, I knew that I’d miss my partner Rikki, 28, and our 1-year-old son Leo.
Rikki and I had gone to school together, but met again in a nightclub a year after leaving school in 2006.
We fell for each other, and were overjoyed to welcome little Leo into our family in July 2016.
‘We’ll be fine, go and enjoy yourself,’ smiled Rikki, as he kissed me goodbye.
When Cheryl and I landed in New York hours later, we were both thrilled to think we’d soon
be seeing all the city sights.
‘Let’s hit the shops!’ I cried excitedly to Cheryl on our second day.
‘You read my mind,’ she grinned.
Picking up some last-minute Christmas gifts for my boys, as well as some clothes, Cheryl and I shopped until we were ready to drop.
So, around 8pm that night, we took our bags back to our hotel before we went out for dinner.
‘Let’s go to see the big Christmas tree on the way,’ I told Cheryl.
I remembered the famously huge Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center from the movies, and couldn’t resist seeing it for real.
Wrapped up in warm coats and hats, Cheryl and I braved the cold, snowy evening.
The massive tree towered over an ice-skating rink, its hundreds of lights shining bright gold. Just like in the films, I thought delightedly, walking around the base. But – it couldn’t be… Suddenly I stopped, stunned. Through the crowds, I could see a familiar, grinning face coming towards me. ‘Rikki?’ I squeaked. ‘Surprise!’ beamed Cheryl, as Rikki stopped in front of me.
Shocked, but happy to see him, I had so many questions.
‘What are you doing here? Where’s Leo?’ I asked.
Rikki explained that Leo was staying with my auntie. But, before I could ask any more questions, he dropped to one knee.
In his hand was the most beautiful diamond cluster ring, glittering in the Christmas-tree lights.
‘Would you marry me?’ he asked.
I was shaking with shock but, through my tears of joy, I nodded my head.
The crowds erupted into applause as Rikki threw his arms around me.
At dinner, Rikki explained that he’d flown out that day, just for 24 hours, and boldly checked into the same hotel as us, staying on the floor below.
He’d been in touch with Cheryl over Snapchat the whole time, making sure we didn’t bump into each other!
‘I’ve been planning this for months,’ Rikki grinned.
It was so surreal, but I couldn’t have been happier!
Not wanting to intrude, Rikki went home the next day.
After he’d gone, I had to double-check my finger to see if the ring was really there, to make sure I hadn’t dreamt it!
We’ve already booked our wedding for May next year, and little Leo, now 2, will be a mini best man for Rikki.
I’ve no doubt that our wedding will be just as special as the proposal!