It is New Year’s Day morning.
After a damp squib of a New Year’s Eve involving a disappointing soirée under the Pont Alexandre III, a predictable lack of taxis in the vicinity of the Champs Elysées and rather more walking in the icy early hours wearing a gauzy dress and stockings than was advisable whilst heavy with cold, The Boy and I are dozing in bed.
To say The Boy is not a morning person would be something of an understatement. Upwards of four heavily sugared espressos and two cigarettes are required before he is able to manage anything approaching speech, and displays of affection the wrong side of midday are rare. I’ve learnt not to take this behaviour personally and, indeed, have grown rather fond of his habitual morning grimace: eyes scrunched tightly closed so as not to let in the merest chink of light, brow furrowed, lips pursed.
So when he wakes for a moment, rolls over and snuggles into my shoulder, his arm creeping around me, I am surprised and pleased and touched. And suddenly the question I’d been carrying around with me for three whole days in Amsterdam – never quite managing to find the right moment – wells up and, before I can stop myself, crosses my lips.
“I think I’d like to…” I say, shyly.
I regret the “I think” afterwards, because it doesn’t sound, well, sure enough. I also regret the fact that I addressed my question to somewhere slightly northwest of his collarbone instead of gazing deeply into his brown eyes.
“Um, can you ask me again later? When I’m awake?” replies the Boy, groggily.
“Yes. Of course,” I mumble.
I’m mortified. Groaning on the inside. But there is nothing I can do now except wait. And see whether he chooses to remember our exchange when he wakes up.
Several hours later, I open my eyes to a vision of The Boy – showered, dressed and perched on the edge of the bed – looking at me intently with an odd expression on his face. Somehow he manages to remind me of the dramatic chipmunk and a lovestruck puppy, simultaneously.
“That question you asked me earlier… Did you mean it?” he says slowly as I blink and rub the sleep from my eyes. “Because if you did… then the answer is YES.”
For a moment the only sound is my sharp intake of breath. Then I hug him tightly. I don’t think I’d ever got as far as imagining beyond actually popping the question, and I have no idea what to do, or say, next.
“T’es pas dans la merde là!” says The Boy – who I realise will need a name change, now that he has been promoted to Husband-to-be – with a grin. That seals the deal: together, we have managed to make this a scene we will never be able to recount to our grandchildren.
Neither of us dares refer to the subject for the rest of the day. I think we are both in shock.
about
books
press
fbk
petite anglaise 
Fantastic!
Congrats Petite! To you and Hubby-To-Be!
Very happy for you…
Comment by lapagefrancaise — February 13, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
Holy crap, congratulations!
Comment by etta — February 13, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
Fantastic! Congratulations!
To your mutual futures and all the best.
xxx
Comment by Moses — February 13, 2008 @ 5:18 pm
true story
there’s one point i disagree with
i think of myself much as a dramatic LEMUR
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkqqMPPg2VI)
(best would be a dramatic otter or dramatic llama,
but i can’t find any of thoses)
The Boy
Comment by The Boy — February 13, 2008 @ 5:22 pm
He he.
I thought about correcting “thoses” when I moderated. But it’s so Gollum, I just can’t bring myself to…
Comment by petite — February 13, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
Congratulations, Petite! Though I had suspected this was the question you were wanting to ask, your writing style had me on the edge of my seat, biting my lip in anticipation of the last lines. Beautifully written!
Comment by Jennifer B — February 13, 2008 @ 5:32 pm
Wa-hoo! Congradulations! I knew it would turn out for you.
(I can’t beleive you managed to keep the a secret for this long!)
Comment by Meesha — February 13, 2008 @ 5:33 pm
Oh how wonderful! What does Tadpole think about it all?
Comment by Polly — February 13, 2008 @ 5:35 pm
Hooray! That’s so exciting!! :) Congratulations!!
Comment by Delicieux — February 13, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
Oh my! Congratulations! Will you now be Le Girl to his The Boy or will he become Monsieur Petite Francais??!!!
Congratualations – and what of Tadpole’s views?
Comment by Louisa — February 13, 2008 @ 5:38 pm
OMG!
Comment by anna — February 13, 2008 @ 5:39 pm
Felicitations Petite et Husband-to-be!
Comment by Yvonne — February 13, 2008 @ 5:42 pm
Wow! How wonderful, congratulations!
Comment by amy, la petite americaine — February 13, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
Fabulous news! Congratulations! Am I the only person who hates the word ‘husband’?
Comment by Paola — February 13, 2008 @ 5:47 pm
Hooray!
Well done both of you
Comment by birchsprite — February 13, 2008 @ 5:48 pm
“T’es pas dans la merde là!” Traduction, s’il vous plâit. Babelfish is coughing up gibberish.
Comment by Franca Bollo — February 13, 2008 @ 5:51 pm
woooooohooooooooo! Congratulations, Boy!, and Best Wishes, Petite!
Comment by Joy — February 13, 2008 @ 5:56 pm
Holy Cow — Congratulations!
Comment by chantel — February 13, 2008 @ 6:08 pm
Congrats to both of you, that’s so great !
Comment by Anna — February 13, 2008 @ 6:11 pm
Congratulations!
Comment by Peggy — February 13, 2008 @ 6:36 pm
Brilliant news! Congratulations to both of you!
xx
Comment by Stratford Girl — February 13, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
CONGRATULATIONS! You are riding such a wonderful wave!
Comment by Katia — February 13, 2008 @ 6:40 pm
Oh that’s so lovely! Congratulations, petite! :)
Comment by Vivi — February 13, 2008 @ 6:42 pm
Translation ‘T’est pas dans la merde là?’ = You’re in trouble don’t you think? Or in litterally : “You’re in the shit now!”.
Many congratulations Petite. I think you have been very brave in life and love. Daring to leave Mr Frog, trusting in love enough again to get into a relationship with The Boy and now, finally taking that step.
It’s brilliant news!! Congratulations to you and The Boy!!!!!
All the very best!
Comment by laroseanglaise — February 13, 2008 @ 6:44 pm
Franca –
Literally – You’re not in the shit, there.
or- It’s OK.
I think!
Comment by Moses — February 13, 2008 @ 6:44 pm
Congratulations! Oddly enough, I didn’t think your question was about getting married…. I thought it was about getting pregnant…. all the same, you are the new petite now with a fancy new life, book, a charming tadpole and gorgeous fiance!
Comment by sfgal — February 13, 2008 @ 6:47 pm
Oh congrats Petite! (and Boy) That is such lovely news. So when’s the wedding??!
Comment by Lucy Diamond — February 13, 2008 @ 6:49 pm
Yes, translation please – all I get from Dictioary.com’s translator is “Do not be to you in the shit”, and that just can’t be right…
Comment by Astrogirl — February 13, 2008 @ 6:49 pm
Wow! Congratulations to you both. We thinks you will get your own precious.
Comment by Greg — February 13, 2008 @ 6:51 pm
congratulations! what an amazing year this has been for you :) best of luck!
Comment by Karen — February 13, 2008 @ 6:53 pm
Congratulations Petite. Excellent news and all the best to you both. :)
Comment by David in London — February 13, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
Wow!!Congrats to you and the Boy!!! Can your life be any better right now?!
Comment by Catkin — February 13, 2008 @ 7:03 pm
Wow that’s excellent news! congratulations!
Comment by Ellie — February 13, 2008 @ 7:17 pm
I think it is meant to mean something like: “You’re not pregnant, are you?” LOL!
Comment by Jim — February 13, 2008 @ 7:21 pm
I’ll join the massed throngs, now waiting outside your balcony window, hoping to catch site of the newly engaged, like a lovesick Charles and Diana …. oops, scratch, that, hmmm …. Andrew and Fergie …. nope …. Rod Stewart and whoever …!! Maybe not. I won’t compare thee to anyone lest but thineself and thy loverboy and wish you every spondiferous happiness.
Verly, ’tis joyous tidings ringing across the lands. I will down a pot of finest weasel milk mead in your honour this fine eve and dance the jig of the bunnion footed minstrel.
Comment by Jester — February 13, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
Congratulations to Petite and the Boy. How wonderful!
Comment by kaycie — February 13, 2008 @ 7:25 pm
W00t! How lovely!
And much more romantic than us- we might have to get married just so that Mr B can claim the Future Sprog (four months to go) on his taxes without me having to give up custody.
Much cuteness all around! And puppydogs are far cuter than lemurs.
Comment by little_bounce — February 13, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
I wish you well, but I cannot help thinking that your website has gone downhill in the couple of hours since you announced your engagement. I am sure that I am not alone in urging you to write more like you did when you were not engaged and were writing your book – the Petite of old. Otherwise you may be in danger of losing readers!!!
Comment by JonnyB — February 13, 2008 @ 7:45 pm
Congratulations! :-)
Comment by LKH — February 13, 2008 @ 7:52 pm
Congrats petite and the boy!
How exciting!!
Comment by Victoria — February 13, 2008 @ 7:54 pm
Congratulations to both of you!
By the way:
J’aime les dragées…
Comment by Saluki — February 13, 2008 @ 7:57 pm
Wow wee! I wasn’t expecting that! That’s so fantastic and lovely, congratulations, felicitations, hooray!
Is there a date set yet?
Comment by princesse ecossaise — February 13, 2008 @ 8:05 pm
Congratulations to both (all three) of you!
Hope The Boy doesn’t really look like that dramatic lemur, it’s SCARY!
Comment by Peg — February 13, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
Many, many congratulations to you both!!
I think the Boy has officially been promoted to the Man.
As in, he’s the Man.
Way to go!
Comment by Alethea — February 13, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
Absolutely amazing. Congratulations, m’dear–Big hug
Many many cheers from
Beau in Seattle.
Comment by Beau — February 13, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
Congratulations! That’s such a romantic story. I wish you both all the very best. x
Comment by Helen — February 13, 2008 @ 8:43 pm
Congratulations to you both!
Comment by Kasey — February 13, 2008 @ 8:49 pm
Well, bugger me! ;-)
Congratulations, and all the best…
Comment by Iain — February 13, 2008 @ 9:08 pm
Oh, the Lemur look. Too funny.
Congrats to you all. And happiness.
Maxly
Comment by Maxly — February 13, 2008 @ 9:11 pm
Ahhhh. Could The Boy now be referred to as Mr Robinson?
Comment by H — February 13, 2008 @ 9:11 pm
Wow! You’ll need a bigger apartment complete with a fume cupboard and chimney.
Comment by gonzales — February 13, 2008 @ 9:12 pm
;-)
Comment by Steve... — February 13, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
The Boy? The Man!
Congrats.
Comment by Clarissa — February 13, 2008 @ 9:23 pm
Hoo-boy, that’s a blockbuster! I wish you many happinesses. My one-year wedding anniversary is in ten days and I still can’t believe how happy I am. When you know, you know and that’s all there is to it.
CONGRATS!!!!
Re #14: I don’t hate the word husband, but I feel like a real faker introducing him as ‘my husband’. I can’t even refer to him that way without feeling like some kind of Donna Reed-50s housewife simpering wanna-be. “Oh, I’ll have to ask my husband”-blechhhh.
Comment by Leslie — February 13, 2008 @ 9:51 pm
Hmmm Gollum? Naaah – you have to think of better names ;-)
Anyway, congrats to both of you.
Comment by wjl (Wolfgang Lonien) — February 13, 2008 @ 10:00 pm
Congratulations! Just found your site last week and spent my free time reading all your entries (such is the life of a freelancer!). Love your blog–can’t wait for the book.
Lots of love and luck to you, the boy and tadpole too!
Comment by maria — February 13, 2008 @ 10:21 pm
Congratulations! I am really surprised, I did not think that was The Question. So now there must be a wedding, how fabulous. I can’t wait!
Comment by Jules — February 13, 2008 @ 10:28 pm
Oh wonderful! Congratulations!
Comment by Alix — February 13, 2008 @ 10:45 pm
Laroseanglaise and Moses,
Thanks for the translation. And, congratulations, Petite.
Comment by Franca Bollo — February 13, 2008 @ 10:53 pm
«Et ils furent heureux, et ils eurent beaucoup d’enfants [et mille et mille aventures, que Petite Anglaise raconta dans ses livres].»
Comment by Choubine — February 13, 2008 @ 10:57 pm
Congrats to you & H2B
Comment by Barry — February 13, 2008 @ 10:57 pm
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing the story, and all best wishes to you!
Comment by Laura — February 13, 2008 @ 10:58 pm
How exciting for you both! Congratulations! Perhaps, The Boy can become The Lemur? or Mr. Lemur?
Comment by Lana Wood — February 13, 2008 @ 11:01 pm
Wow! Congratulations!
Leap year, indeed!
Comment by ewe_are_here — February 13, 2008 @ 11:18 pm
Congratulations – great news!
Comment by Sarah — February 13, 2008 @ 11:39 pm
Mon Dieu!!!
Congratulations!
Comment by Tara — February 13, 2008 @ 11:48 pm
Well done Petite!
Congratulations and happy valentine’s day!
Next step will be creating another tadpole, maybe a little rat in the year of the rate?
Comment by Rose — February 13, 2008 @ 11:50 pm
I knew it. I just knew it. Could not be happier for you. And delighted to see Mari-to-Be (Formerly known as The Boy) commenting!
I think Husband sounds better in French: “Mon Mari”. But then again, most things sound better in French.
Here’s hoping I’ll be next (and it seems quite likely — soon as a Question is tossed MY way!) Congratulations and here’s to much love to all three of you in your future together!
Comment by The Bold Soul — February 13, 2008 @ 11:52 pm
Congratulations!
Comment by jen — February 14, 2008 @ 12:12 am
Awesome!
Comment by Divina — February 14, 2008 @ 12:29 am
Oh, Petite! I’m so happy for you and your boy. I wondered if that was the question… glad to know I was correct :].
Comment by kate — February 14, 2008 @ 12:59 am
Very Happy For You and the Man!
Comment by happyforyou — February 14, 2008 @ 1:11 am
Congratulations! How wonderful you’ve found the one for the rest of your life.
I was totally thinking of something else entirely… a bit dirty, too… oh well–you can do whatever you want on your honeymoon!
Comment by La Rêveuse — February 14, 2008 @ 1:52 am
Wow! I’ve finally managed to read through ALL of your past blog entries as I wanted to get a full picture and now I find this…all I can say is congratulations! You deserve it.
Can’t wait for the book.
Comment by trouvezmoi — February 14, 2008 @ 2:20 am
I’m a tad disappointed as I thought you’d be asking to make another tapdole…;-) But I see you are doing things in a more “conservative order” …
Big congrats!
Comment by Froguette — February 14, 2008 @ 2:28 am
Just incredible! I am so very happy for you both!:-)
Comment by Karma — February 14, 2008 @ 2:42 am
I think that’s a wonderful story regardless of it’s proximity to the collarbone. Best wishes!
Comment by ~Tim — February 14, 2008 @ 3:29 am
I am really curious: what made you so sure that that he is the one?
Comment by Rose — February 14, 2008 @ 4:41 am
Many congratulations to both of you.
Comment by Ian — February 14, 2008 @ 6:40 am
Go girl! And The Boy!!
I am envious, your courage in life has paid off.
Congratulations to all three of you (maybe a few additions in the future too, hmmmm?!?!)
Comment by QldDeb — February 14, 2008 @ 7:52 am
Oh….my…..god…….Well, not THAT surprising I suppose……;-) All the best to you Petite, and to the Boy….may you share many years of happiness……
Comment by Dave of the Lake — February 14, 2008 @ 7:54 am
Oh wait…..you’ll need to run another contest to see what we will call your intended in the blog posts……
Comment by Dave of the Lake — February 14, 2008 @ 8:01 am
Bloke bloggers all over the Internet will be weeping into their keyboards. The Boy is a lucky Man and I am so very glad you are both happy. Felicitations!
Comment by Zinnia Cyclamen — February 14, 2008 @ 8:17 am
I’ll add my congratulations to the all the rest – and best wishes for a bright and happy future!
I think the Boy should stay ‘the Boy’ – I’m sure it is a title that would please him when he’s 70 (I hope you’ll still be blogging then!)
Comment by Karen — February 14, 2008 @ 8:59 am
What a lovely thing to read on Valentine’s Day! So happy for you!
Comment by Hannah — February 14, 2008 @ 9:49 am
Wow!!! That is such good news. I’ve just felt shivers reading that post. Congratulations! What a great start to an amazing year. I am extremely happy for you. And good for you to have asked the question – I’m sure I’d never have been that brave.
A perfect post to read on Valentines Day!
Comment by Hazy — February 14, 2008 @ 10:09 am
Congratulations to you both, Petite. What wonderful news!
Comment by Liza R — February 14, 2008 @ 10:26 am
And there I was, convinced that I’d not have a single romantic thought this Valentine’s Day.
Awwww!
All the best to you both!
Comment by Sandlander — February 14, 2008 @ 10:50 am
Wow, that’s great, congratulations.
Would’ve been wicked if you’d hung on just a little bit longer till the 29th Feb…
But hey! When the moment strikes, the moment strikes!
;)
Congrats again!
Comment by Pete — February 14, 2008 @ 11:00 am
WoW this is so exciting!
To celebrate this splendid news I have just ordered myself your book on Amazon!
p.s. I’m also one of the bunch who thought that your question was about extending the family!
Congratulations Petite + Hubs to be!
Comment by Olga — February 14, 2008 @ 11:05 am
Congratulations! :)
Comment by Sabrina — February 14, 2008 @ 11:11 am
Congratulations! All the best to you both!
Comment by Caffienated Cowgirl — February 14, 2008 @ 11:38 am
#60 “et mille aventures” – plutôt point d’aventures, ils seront fidèles ;-}
Petite – Congrats, but having waited since Amsterdam, couldn’t you have waited until the 29th?
Comment by j — February 14, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
I knew it, I knew it, I knew it, I knew it, I KNEW IT!
Someone had mentioned to me that it was a leap year just before I read your original post about the question. As soon as I read it I thought (Girl asking a big question) + (leap year) = (buy a hat)
I’ve been waiting for you to confirm it for ages.
Congratulations. It’s wonderful news. I suppose you were hard pressed to find a way to make this year top last year, but you have managed it.
Comment by Damian — February 14, 2008 @ 12:18 pm
How do blog commenters attend a wedding? We need to invent some sort of virtual reception for virtual friends.
Comment by Damian — February 14, 2008 @ 12:19 pm
Just stopping by to share my félicitations as well! All the best to you, your Boy and little Tadpole. It’s wonderful how you’ve always followed your heart — and your gut! — and it has brought you so much happiness, as you deserve. And as #80 said above, your courage HAS paid off — being brave is definitely worth it!
Comment by Alice — February 14, 2008 @ 12:27 pm
Keep the name as it is! It is very refreshing ingredient in a marriage! Anyway congratulations!
Comment by penelope — February 14, 2008 @ 1:04 pm
Sweet.
Congratulations.
Comment by Jeremy — February 14, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
Congrats. Good suspense. Tradition!!!
The Cockroach Catcher
Comment by Am Ang Zhang — February 14, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
I thought the question would be about living together! Bravo you for seizing what you want.
We will always think of him as The Boy, so don’t change it.
So happy for you
Comment by Duck — February 14, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
yay – Congratulations!!!
Comment by Lisa — February 14, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
FANSTASTIC news! I thought it might be THE question when you alluded to A question after your Amsterdam trip, but when I started reading your post today, I thought ‘Ah no, actually, she asked him to move in with her permanently’. I resisted going straight to the bottom of the post, but it was VERY hard! I’m glad I read it all – it was a wonderful surprise! I don’t agree with Johnny B – this is your writing at its best! Congratulations! How did Mr Frog and Lover take it? And does Tadpole know?
Comment by Lotus Flower — February 14, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
My fiance and I got engaged in Paris over the new year – he proposed in the Place de la Contrescarpe, near our apartment.
I have to say “congratulations!” to someone whom I’ve never met but I’ve enjoyed reading.
BTW, I did New Year’s at Montmartre and I found it very enjoyable, including the mandatory snuggling in bed until at least noon to avoid the hangover from the 6 bottles of wine and sparkling wine we felt compelled to enjoy.
Comment by NotBeckie — February 14, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
Congrats! I’m thrilled!! I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting that would be THE “question”.
Comment by Nataliya — February 14, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
A lovely story, beautifully told.
Congratulations to you both :o)
Comment by cam — February 14, 2008 @ 2:59 pm
What a wonderful Valentine’s Day posting! Congratulations to you both! Can’t wait to read your book, as well!
Comment by Jeanne — February 14, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
Many congratulations, Best wishes for everlasting joy and happiness.
(But not all that surprised after the original post… how many “Questions” are there out there after all??) ;-)
All the very bestens + merde, merde, merde
Comment by Teaperson — February 14, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
i’ve been suspecting that this was “the question” — how wonderful to read about it on valentine’s day here in the US. congratulations to all three of you, and best wishes for many, many happy times ahead.
: )
Comment by franko — February 14, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
I join everyone in saying that I’m really chuffed for you! Go for it, the great bungee jump of love :=)
Comment by Roberta Collins — February 14, 2008 @ 3:26 pm
Hurrah, congratulations Petite, I can’t wait to hear his new name. :)
Comment by teeweewonders — February 14, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
We need to see a picture of the Ring
Comment by oxo — February 14, 2008 @ 4:29 pm
Congratulations! You always were a family just waiting to happen. :)
Comment by Woody — February 14, 2008 @ 4:39 pm
hey! congratulations to you & The Boy, and tadpole too! is she excited about the news too? really happy for you guys, its been an amazing year & more adventures to come…
cheers…carol
Comment by carol — February 14, 2008 @ 5:01 pm
Did you get a ring ? Can we see it ?
Congrats, BTW.
Comment by mysterious_malady — February 14, 2008 @ 5:44 pm
Congrats to both of you:) What a fabulous story, petite! I’m so happy for your success, and so amazed by your bold decisions that totally changed your life. I’ve read your entire blog in one night; it really felt like reading a book. A good one. I look forward to actually purchasing your book whenever it will be available in the US.
Comment by CB — February 14, 2008 @ 5:52 pm
There were no props (rings). I believe in cutting straight to the wedding ring.
Comment by petite — February 14, 2008 @ 6:00 pm
Bravo,
You made me remember that funny feeling. Happy but with a strange uneasiness that hopefully does not last.
Comment by marie-hélène — February 14, 2008 @ 6:08 pm
Does that mean it won’t be a long engagement then?
Comment by Lisa — February 14, 2008 @ 6:20 pm
Congratulations to all of you… I think Valentines was a wonderful time to spread this great news.
And with regards to previous comments- dont worry about the content of your blog- it should simply cover your life, whatever path it takes. And this path is about as good as it gets. :D
Comment by Sunny — February 14, 2008 @ 6:32 pm
Hey, congratulations! I was wondering if that was what you were thinking!! I am so glad he said yes!! How exciting!
Now if you’re looking for a bridesmaid I’m an expert, been one 5 times already, about to do my 6th – do you think it means I’ll never get married………
Comment by Di — February 14, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
Terrific news. Congratulations to you both.
Comment by Tim — February 14, 2008 @ 8:04 pm
i kneeeeew it! didn’t i tell you all, hmmmm? it’s a leap year, see. ha! CONGRATULATIONS, beaucoup de congratulations!
Comment by daisy duke — February 14, 2008 @ 9:36 pm
Congratulations to both of you. May you have a long and happy life together. It was pretty obvious what was in the wind, honestly, read back over your posts.
Best wishes K.
Comment by kanus — February 14, 2008 @ 10:23 pm
Congratulations to him, best wishes to you! Isn’t that correct of me?!!!
I’ll have to go back and read up on the boy, he’s English? French?
I too prefer “mari” to “husband.”
Comment by Artemisia — February 14, 2008 @ 10:58 pm
Well that just takes the biscuit!
I’ve been doing life not posting lately, and not catching up with favourites. As you are the reason I started blogging in the first place, I always come to visit you first, when I return to the quiet evenings huddled by the screen in the dark – and to come back to this! How lovely. What a journey you are on, how impressively true to yourself you’ve been.
Sending you my heartfelt congrats along with everyone elses.
Comment by Livvy — February 14, 2008 @ 11:41 pm
Congrats Petite and Boy and thanks for sharing this very personal moment with us all. I also asked my husband to marry me, on a rugged, driftwood strewn beach on the isolated East Cape of New Zealand with my two sons playing around us – it was spontaneous and perfect. Everyone’s story is personal and gorgeous regardless of the setting. Just don’t take three years and one baby later to finally get married like we did, actually on second thoughts the baby part is worth considering…..
Comment by Lisa — February 14, 2008 @ 11:56 pm
Yay! Very happy for you both!
Comment by Barb — February 15, 2008 @ 12:25 am
I am happier for you today than I have ever been sad reading some of your posts during your difficult times. Yippee! Yeehah! You Go Girl, and all good tidings that I can’t think of at the moment.
I noticed your clever use of verb tenses in this post. Are you cleverly announcing to us a “fait accompli”? It would not surprise me, since you would thereby avoid the paparazzi lurking at your Noces. Ha, when you were dooced, the paparazzi were the least of your worries!
Best wishes, good vibes, and whatever else makes you happy.
(BTW, I proposed to my Boy in 1970. He’s still The One.)
Warmest regards to the whole family.
Comment by PJ Carz — February 15, 2008 @ 12:58 am
I cried. How lovely for you Petite – congratulations!
What a perfect Valentine’s Day story.
Comment by Emily — February 15, 2008 @ 1:44 am
CONGRATS, Petite. I have been reading your blog for a number of years now and am thrilled to see today’s entry. Best wish to you and Mr. Petit :)
Comment by Kat — February 15, 2008 @ 3:18 am
Oh… Petite! I am so very happy for you, and deeply moved by your brave confession of love for “the boy”. I wish you many happinesses…for you, Tadpole, and “Mr. Husband To Be”.
Cheers!
Maureen
Comment by maureen pearson — February 15, 2008 @ 3:54 am
Congratulations – and you will be ‘l’epouse’ .
Comment by Vallalar — February 15, 2008 @ 6:38 am
What??! Wow, congratulations!!! :-D
Comment by Marsha — February 15, 2008 @ 7:24 am
What a surprise!
Congratulations to you both!
Will it be a Parisian wedding?
Jt
Comment by Jost — February 15, 2008 @ 8:08 am
As everyone else has said, “Congratulations to both of you”.
I have just noticed the reference (in the sidebar) to a bookshop in York. Is this going to be the official Petite Anglaise bookshop?
Comment by Pierre L — February 15, 2008 @ 8:22 am
I love the last sentence of the post. :) It reminds about me and my now-husband when we decided somewhat jokingly to get married. We didn’t speak to each other for almost 2 days afraid to say something… :)
Comment by Masha — February 15, 2008 @ 9:31 am
Congratulations! Il faudra absolument lui trouver un autre nom… The Man…??
Comment by Zeina — February 15, 2008 @ 9:44 am
Congratulations to you both…wishing you lots and lots of happiness.
Comment by Anne — February 15, 2008 @ 10:18 am
Great, have you checked this http://www.iwandarmansjah.web.id/miscellaneous.php?id=242
Comment by parkin pig — February 15, 2008 @ 11:20 am
Congratulations to you both. Isn’t it funny how sometimes everything just comes together at once? This certainly seems like it’s going to be your year. A best-seller would now be the icing on the cake – so will keep my fingers crossed for you in that respect (and do my bit by buying a copy).
Comment by Nicola — February 15, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
FINALLY!
Completely ecstatic for you. Félicit-congratul-best voeux to you both.
Have you contacted Paris Match re the engagement photos yet?
}:^{>
Comment by Suziboo — February 15, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
Ça marche ! Félicitations !
Weeping into my keyboard, right now…
Comment by Roads — February 15, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
Many congratulations to you both.
I guess that really does mean the end of the satin pyjama hopes I have been harbouring for a few years now as you will be an honest woman.
*sigh*
Will your Mum be back to moderate here when the honeymoon is happening ?
Comment by Mark — February 15, 2008 @ 2:19 pm
Congratulations! well done.
Comment by jacqui — February 15, 2008 @ 2:27 pm
That was worth the wait! Lovely post, and fabulous news! Happy Valentine’s, I guess? xx
Comment by In Style Gal — February 15, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
As one of your long-time lurkers; congratulations!
Comment by Shrike58 — February 15, 2008 @ 3:24 pm
Oh! That’s WONDERFUL news. Many congratulations.
Comment by mike — February 15, 2008 @ 4:09 pm
I too asked my husband to marry me. Although he didn’t say yes right away as your boy did. :)
I am glad to hear more women being bold enough to pop the question. Why wait when you know the one is the one?
And of course, felicitations!
Comment by halcyon — February 15, 2008 @ 5:37 pm
Congratulations, Petite!
Comment by Claire — February 15, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
WOW! CONGRATULATIONS! For me, that’s a sign of inspiration, the thought has been on my own mind as of late… YAY!!
Comment by Nikki — February 15, 2008 @ 6:57 pm
I’d been expecting the ‘getting a place together’ conversation too, but this is far better !
Felicitations a vous-deux.
And I guess that means you’ll have loads of material for Petite vol.2 now as well!
Hoping that marriage to Monsieur Frog-deux leads to much happiness for you, him, Tadpole and any future amphibian offspring…
Comment by Nick C — February 15, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
Congratulations! So happy that The Boy is The One! I’m also very inspired by your popping of the question… might have to pluck up the courage myself one of these days!
Comment by Peachy — February 15, 2008 @ 8:36 pm
I just realized something: Does this means he gets promoted from Boy Toy to Man Toy? ;-)
Comment by Dave of the Lake — February 15, 2008 @ 9:58 pm
I like Parkin Pig’s comment and link – nice for there to be some sensibility about this too, especially when young children are involved. But good for you guys. . .
Comment by Penguin — February 15, 2008 @ 9:58 pm
Congratulations! Can we, ‘the above’ all come to the ‘do’?
Comment by Alice Band — February 15, 2008 @ 9:59 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Comment by Cass — February 15, 2008 @ 10:50 pm
I can’t help thinking you met the boy on the day we said a prayer for you at Notre Dame des Miracles after having had brunch with you!!! (hint: don’t forget our miraculous lady on your will…) ;-)
Seriously, Man, that is way cool Petitounette! Congrats dear! I’m so having a drink for you right now!
Many kisses and see you soon.
Comment by frog with a blog — February 15, 2008 @ 11:31 pm
Aw that’s wonderful! At the risk of sounding like everyone else, congratualtions!
Comment by Lalala — February 16, 2008 @ 12:06 am
Congratulations! Such a sweet story!
Comment by Jen — February 16, 2008 @ 7:35 am
It was amusing to reread the original post and following comments, especially the ones stating that now The Boy would know she had a question. If you notice the dates, she’d already popped it before she even wrote the first one. Been stringing us along for the past six weeks!
Comment by azurienne — February 16, 2008 @ 10:12 am
Well spotted azurienne.
Although the time lag has more to do with me wanting to tell my nearest and dearest myself, so that they didn’t have to learn about it via the blog. And it also gave me the opportunity to digest what was happening myself before I shared it with the world at large.
So while I do enjoy keeping people in suspense, that wasn’t the whole story…
Comment by petite — February 16, 2008 @ 10:46 am
So you asked him and he stayed asleep? And then later, when he was awake . . . then it occured to him and he said yes?
Comment by Celia — February 16, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Comment by sashikers — February 17, 2008 @ 11:41 am
I made a similar scenario proposal to a longstanding girlfriend, not once but twice. The first time, she laughed and turned me down so graciously.
The time, I was so grateful to her for turning me down before that I proposed to her again.
She laughed, again, and turned me down.
I realised then her ability to say ‘No’ had saved the relationship, twice over.
Sometimes, ‘No’ is actually ‘I love you’.
We lived togther for ages after that and I never made the same mistake.
What a very far-sighted women she was.
Andrew
Comment by andrew — February 17, 2008 @ 8:27 pm
yay! congrats!!
Comment by Lynn — February 18, 2008 @ 1:56 am
Congratulations!
You have sounded boringly happy lately and that explains it.
When is the big day?
Comment by laurence — February 18, 2008 @ 6:34 am
Congratulations! Very glad at the news
Comment by nerd — February 18, 2008 @ 9:53 am
Best wishes to you. And let Tadpole wear whatever she wants!!!
Comment by Small Town Diva — February 18, 2008 @ 6:47 pm
Mazeltov!
Make him “The Dude.”
Comment by John — February 18, 2008 @ 10:00 pm
My husband to be proposed to me one Saturday morning while I was still half asleep and my first response was “Are you joking?” when he said no I woke up pretty quickly! Congratulations.
Comment by Dancinfairy — February 18, 2008 @ 10:36 pm
Felicidades from Mexico! Wonderful news and I hope you’ll all be very happy.
Grannie D
Comment by Grannie D — February 21, 2008 @ 2:58 am
Congratulations!!!
Comment by sprite — February 21, 2008 @ 7:42 pm
Congratulations! I know it’s a bit late but still, whooooooot!
Comment by jules — February 23, 2008 @ 2:06 am
Congratulations! Again, late to join the party…but heartfelt nonetheless.
I gasped and put my hands to my face in a very “Home Alone” expression.
My roommate was a little surprised at just how excited I could be over the engagement of a woman I have never met!
Comment by Chi — March 10, 2008 @ 9:02 pm