It was expected to be an ordinary Saturday afternoon. The plan was to go and watch the Florida Gators' season opener against Bowling Green at the official Houston Gator Club spot, SRO (Standing Room Only).
Rachel thought it was her idea to all go as a family to kick off football season, but little did she know what Steven had up his sleeve (or rather, in his pocket!).
They arrived at SRO to join Honi, Michael, Meryl and Eric at a table with a bunch of other alumni and friends. Before kick-off, the president of the Houston Gator Club was making general announcements on the microphone, when suddenly Rachel hears, "Will Steven Abbott please come up? He'd like to make an announcement."
Rachel turns to Meryl, "What the — is going on?" All Rachel was thinking was how weird this was: Was he asked to make some kind of alumni speech? Why didn't he tell me? He forgets to tell me things all the time, it's possible...
Steven got up there, in front of a whole crowd of Gator alums, and started talking about how great it was going to Florida, because of the national championships he experienced... because his dad went there... and then, last but not least, because he met Rachel. (He really did a bait and switch!) Then he started telling the story of how they met at the Vanderbilt game.
Things started to click for Rachel, but she still couldn't believe it was happening! As he got down on one knee, Steven was so vulnerable it made Rachel burst into tears already! "Rachel, I loved you then. And I love you now, still. Will you marry me?"
Such simple words. So many emotions. Rachel was so speechless, she couldn't even say "yes" out loud, but she went in for the big kiss and embrace. The DJ started playing Black Eyed Peas "Tonight's gonna be a good night" and just when the moment couldn't get any more perfect...
Rachel felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around, so blurry-eyed she didn't even have a chance to look at her ring yet, to see her parents (Lisa and Barry) with the biggest smiles on their faces and outstretched arms. Rachel was in shock! She couldn't contain her tears of joy, nor could she focus on watching the Gator game at a time like this. Moreover, she couldn't believe Steven pulled this off!
The day couldn't get any better, until that night. Everyone was gathered at the Abbott's house before dinner to have a champagne toast. As we held out our empty glasses, Rebecca (Rachel's sister) came running out of the hallway with a bottle of bubbly in hand, screaming "I have the champagne!"
"Are you kidding me?!" Rachel could hardly take any more surprises in one day, but she was so happy Steven arranged for both of their families to be together to celebrate this happy and life-changing moment.