Robyn Lee has been by Cameron Peterson’s side through some serious health traumas, including a broken neck in January 2009 and a car accident three months later.
They have also been through many joys, including the birth of their daughter Rebecca in November 2009.
Cameron, 27, found it only fitting that his girlfriend of four years should become his wife. They had been through so much together, and it was time for celebration.
He selected the ring – a .75 carat Canadian-mined diamond set in gold – but didn’t know exactly how he would propose.
Then, he saw his moment.
The couple had taken their daughter to visit Santa Claus in Sevenoaks Shopping Centre in Abbotsford on Dec. 2.
They were accompanied by Robyn’s two sisters and her four-year-old niece. While they were there, Cameron received a call on his cellphone, informing him that the engagement ring was ready to be picked up.
He made an excuse to slip away, and obtained the ring, which was concealed in a red box too big to fit in Cameron’s pocket. He hid it behind his back as he returned to his family, and mulled over what to do with the item.
As they were standing in line waiting for their turn to visit Santa, Cameron had a revelation: This would be the perfect time to propose. It was a unique memorable setting, and there was a photographer already there to capture the moment.
He quickly whispered his intentions to Robyn’s sisters, who were thrilled at the idea.
Their daughter provided the perfect distraction for Cameron to approach the photographer with his plans; the two-year-old was screaming as Robyn tried to place her on the lap of the strange, white-bearded man in the red velvet suit.
Robyn thought Cameron had stepped away to discuss photo-package options. Her sister then retrieved Rebecca from Santa’s lap, just as Robyn turned around to see Cameron on one knee with the ring held out in front of him.
“Will you marry me?” he said.
Robyn had never been so surprised. She had no inkling that Cameron had been planning to propose.
“Are you kidding?” she laughed, before adding, “Of course!”
Then, she started to cry and the multitude of holiday shoppers cheered as Cameron slid the ring onto Robyn’s finger.
The two have not yet set a wedding date. They want to wait until Cameron finishes a two-year program to become a machine operator.
For now, Robyn, a caregiver for people with developmental disabilities, is revelling in the engagement.
“This is the most amazing month of my life!” she said.