When Jeff and Jen were still dating, they came to visit my family and me in Virginia Beach. It was Fall, and they were visiting for the first time.
The Red Sox were in the playoffs that year, and were on the cusp of winning their divisional series. Jeff and Jen were planning a day of sight-seeing and hiking in a local state park while my family and I went about our usual routines.
Before they headed out, Jeff made a point of mentioning that we might want to make sure we had some champagne in the house, just so we would be ready to celebrate if the Sox won that night. He might have mentioned it two or three times, in fact. I remember thinking that he'd really bought into the whole Red Sox Nation mindset, and I still laugh when I think about it.
That evening, after we all had finished our day of work or school or hiking, we gathered in the kitchen of our house, catching up and making dinner. It didn't take too long before I noticed a new sparkle in their eyes, and also on Jen's left ring finger. While they were out hiking, Jeff had asked, and Jen said yes!
I honestly don't remember if we actually had champagne that night, but I'm sure we made do with whatever was on hand.
That was Jeff. He chose to pop the question at the time and place when they were doing something they both loved, and while they were with members of Jen's extended (and widely dispersed) family. It was an honor to be part of their special day. It was even more of an honor to welcome Jeff to the family. We all miss you, Cuz.