Jill and Ryan started the day with stroll down the Venice beach strip to take in some ocean ions and look at the shops. Along the way, Jill started her 100 strangers project, and they both learned a little bit about metal detectors and graffiti artists. They picked out a good spot on the grass where Ryan also introduced Jill to Magic the Gathering—she promptly beat his Ridiculous Red deck.

After all the fresh air they head home for a quick nap to refresh and recharge for dinner plans that evening—a fancy-pants dinner cruise. Jill noticed Ryan was very quiet and distracted, but couldn’t figure out the cause.

Jill wanted to keep her new dress a surprise until the last possible moment, so she sneaked off into the bathroom put it on—the perfect opportunity for Ryan to prepare a surprise of his own.

At the docks, beside the doughty Hornblower, there’s a man in a captain’s hat taking cheesy souvenir photos with a life preserver. The lights were dim and the music was saccharine—the romantic kind you’re surprised didn’t bother you when you reminisce about it.

After champagne, salad, steak and potatoes, they wandered up to the top deck to see the view. The wind was cold and crisp, with the glimmering city lights to the east in sharp contrast to the inky ocean darkness to the west.

They leaned on the rail, arm in arm, when Jill mentioned how perfect the moment was—which was Ryan’s opening. He swallowed fear and nerves, pulled out the ring and replied, “I hope so, because I want to marry you.” Jill whirled and looked down in shock—Ryan was down on one knee.

Her yes was barely a squeak as she crushed him in her arms. They lingered for a while then headed back to their table, in a slight daze. Their server came by, asked how was dinner and Jill held out her left hand—

AHHHHHHH!

…and a free bottle of champagne to celebrate.