Magic Moments

A few years ago, I had my annual Christmas Party at my apartment in Sandy. The usual suspects all showed up, and it was great seeing old and new friends. I'd worked hard to get everything ready, wore a sparkly green sweater, and tried to play the perfect hostess.

My parties are generally pretty casual affairs. Not casual in preparation, but I like having a home where friends from all different parts of my life can get together and mingle. It's exciting to see my circle strengthen.

That year, I had an unexpected surprise—a crasher. Not a crasher, exactly, because he'd been invited over by some of my old neighbors, but I didn't have any idea who this kid was. He just came in, made himself a plate of food, and put himself to work being at home. I remember breaking away from some guys I'd not seen in years, just to investigate who the crazy stranger was. He said, "Who in the world made this food?"

"I did," I said.

"In that case," he said, dropping to one knee and kissing my hand, "will you marry me?"

"That depends," I said. "What's your name?"

It was a great introduction. I like the "life of the party" types—they remind me of myself.

As the evening wore on, I got better acquainted with my new "friend" – Bryce was his name. We chatted and entertained, and I couldn't have been happier. When he went to leave, I walked him to my door and shook his hand. But that wasn't good enough for my unexpected guest. Instead, he twirled me around, and pinned me up against the door to kiss me under the mistletoe. And ok, I was screaming a bit so he just kissed me on the cheek, but it was fantastic. Bless those boys I know now, but none of them throw girls up against the wall.