At midnight, when the dance finally ended, Bill’s mother was helping me to retrieve coats etc. Neither of us had danced at the Lions Valentine’s Day dance but we had enjoyed that evening together.
After the five of us had cleared and tidied the hall, I intended to wheel Bill out to his parents’ car.
“Wait a bit, Ruth,” Bill said.
“Why?”
All four parents were in their cars waiting for Bill and me.
“It was Valentine’s Day. So…”
“So what?”
“I can’t get down on my knee but… Will you marry me, please, Ruth?”
“What? Isn’t this too soon? We’ve been boyfriend and girlfriend for only ten days or so?”
“But apart from the time at university, we’ve known each other all our lives, Ruth. I’m serious. Will you marry me, please?”
“Yes.”
I kissed him. We went out to his parents’ car and told them we were now engaged. My parents came across to se what was holding us up. All four parents were delighted.
+++
Bill telephoned me the next morning. His parents had arranged to borrow a wheelchair from the local Red Cross branch for a month. By that time his plaster should be off, and he might be able to walk with only a stick. He wanted me to go with him to the jewellers to choose and engagement ring.
“Can you afford one?” I asked.
“Yes, Ruth. I have the lump sum my employer gave me and my savings. As long as it isn’t too much, we should have enough deposit for the two of us to buy a house when we get married.”
“A house?”
I had been thinking of buying a small flat. But with two incomes and me in a civil service post instead of working at the supermarket, we could probably buy a house together.
“Yes, Bill. When will the wheelchair arrive?”
“Now, I think. My parents are just back.”
“Ok. I’ll be with you in five minutes.”
+++
We bought a basic engagement ring. We wanted to save our money for the house. As well as planning our wedding we were house hunting.
The Lions Valentine dance had changed our lives.