The Romantic.com

PRIVATE DINING

submitted by: Mark Hughes

My wife was a history major in college, so after our first year of dating I planned a special trip. James Madison University was only about an hour from Charlottesville, so without telling her where we were going, I drove to Montpelier, the home of Thomas Jefferson, for a tour and a walk on the grounds.

I told her that I had also booked a special dinner at an exclusive restaurant that normally did not take public reservations, but knowing the head cook I was able to get us a reservation. After our tour at Montpelier, we drove to dinner.

She became suspicious when we pulled into a private, gated driveway and up to a house. As we reached the door, I knocked, and our hostess greeted us at the door. “Kelly,” I said, “I’d like you to meet my grandmother.” Right after her “good to meet you” response, she punched me in the arm … exactly the response I had hoped for and expected.

After a great dinner, we went out for a private dessert and back home. My wife still talks about that as one of the few times I have been able to surprise her.