“Yours, hers. Do they know?”
“Nobody knows except you. And soon Max and Serge.”
“And Lily?”
“Shhh … keep your voice down. Sorry, I need to talk quietly – she’ll find out soon.”
“When?”
We arranged that he, Max, and Serge would be the witnesses and that they’d pick us up around eleven. He didn’t argue – he knew too well the rock standing before him. When he asked where the wedding would be, I said: wherever we can buy a ring. When he pointed out that people don’t get married on the Sabbath, I reminded him of the rabbinical ruling for emergencies.
“Good morning.” Just as I hung up the phone, Lily walked into the living room and sat on my lap.
“Who were you talking to?”
“David.”
“Plans?”
“He, Max, and Serge will be here at eleven. We’ll go out – maybe to Jerusalem.” I racked my brain trying to think where I could find a ring on a Saturday. Suddenly I remembered: in the Old City, shops were open. I was sure I could buy one there. And the legendary restaurant Philadelphia was there too – a perfect backdrop for the day I had in mind.
“Jerusalem?” she asked. “Aren’t you tired? Why not just stay here?”
“Because I love that city. And we’ll eat at ‘Philadelphia.’ Do you know it?”
“I know it, I know it. It’s an amazing restaurant, but there’s no way we’ll get a table.”
“Be optimistic. You know Max. Trust me, he’ll make it happen.”
An hour later, we stood in front of Jaffa Gate, surrounded by crowds of every faith, sect, and color.
“You guys go on ahead. We’ll catch up, or meet here in half an hour,” I told David.
“Does she know?” he whispered. Lily stood with her back to us, gazing toward the new city.
“Don’t worry. She soon will.”
“Good luck.” He gave me a mischievous smile I’ll never forget. I knew he’d play along, and I gave him a thumbs-up.
“Come on, let’s look for a ring.”
“A ring? What ring?” She was startled.
“A wedding ring.” I could have said diamond, silver, or any number of things, but I chose to be direct.
“This is how you’re proposing to me?”
“Yes. This is my way. I’m proposing to you.” It wasn’t planned, and the words weren’t perfect, but once spoken, they were out in the world.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“Absolutely sure?”
I nodded. Before I could say more, she threw her arms around me in a hug I’ll never forget.
“So when’s the wedding?” I hadn’t prepared to answer that one on the spot.
