The Proposal Story

Since I've started this blog, I've came across so many people I haven't seen or spoken to in such a long time. Many of them asked about my how Cole and I ended up dating, our wedding, his proposal, ect. So I thought it would be fun to share the story of how Cole proposed to me. I just copied and pasted it out of my journal...so I hope it makes sense.

June 20th, 2008

Last night, Cole came to spend some time with me. He has been living in Leamington with his family while working at Ash Grove for the summer. It was wonderful seeing him! I really miss having him around. I took half the day off so I we could go look around at a couple apartments. Honestly, we slept in and caught a few place on the way to work! Cole dropped me off around 1:00 and went back to my house to get cleaned up. He was going to meet all my friends at the office today.

He came back about 2:00 with some lunch knowing I was hungry and visited for an hour or so! It was so fun having him there at work with me. Everyone has been waiting to meet him. Melody always talks about his pictures and how handsome he is! I totally agree and loved showing him off! I tried to get him to stay longer but he had some errands to run before I got off work. I asked him to pick me up a little early before he left to go talk to his old boss and figure out when he would start work at the school again.

Time dragged on for the next few hours and I couldn’t wait to get off work and head to Delta with Cole for the weekend! Around 4:40, I noticed a filthy, homeless man had wandered through the parking lot and sat himself in front of my office window. He was propped up against a pillar with a cardboard sign reading “Out of work. Anything will help. God Bless.” I pointed him out to Gary & Andy, my co-workers. It was strange to see a homeless person in this small town…plus he was right in front of our office! I watched him for a few more minutes before realizing the time. Cole was supposed to pick me up early! I tried to call him but he didn’t answer. I figured he was still at the school. Customers kept coming in one by one keeping me busy for the rest of my shift.

Once they cleared out, I noticed the homeless man again. He hadn’t moved at all and I wondered if he was overheated. I got a text message from Cole shortly after 5:00 that said “Babe, I’m sorry but I’m running a little late. Just wait on the curb for me.” I was going to kick his butt! Not only did he not come early…but now he’s coming late! I text him back and said, “No. There is a scary homeless man out side my office. I will wait inside and watch for you.”

I sat back at my desk and watched the man a little longer. I felt sorry and decided to get him some water. Our little paper cups are so small and I knew he’d need more water than that so I grabbed my $2.99 KB mug Cole bought me and rinsed it out in the bathroom sink before filling it with ice water. I had a left over banana from breakfast that would probably just go to waste so I grabbed that as well. Gary felt sorry for the man too and offered a can of peanuts he brought to work that we had all been snacking on. I didn’t have much money on me so I scrounged a dollar out of my purse. I asked Gary if he would come with me so I wasn’t alone. I didn’t think the man would do anything harmful, but I was still uneasy.

We walked out to where the man was sitting and I tried to acknowledge him. He didn’t move or lift his head so I got a little closer and tried again. He lifted his head just enough to see me standing there and dropped it again towards the ground. I knelt down by him and told him that I had water and told him to take a drink. He lifted the mug with a shaking hand and took a small sip. “God Bless” was the only words he mumbled. I proceeded to tell him that I brought a little food and money. I looked right at him and his beard looked a little strange. I could see tan netting against his skin and I wondered if he was scamming people for money. I apologized we didn’t have more but hoped that it helped a little. He didn’t say anything more so I got to my feet and headed back to the office door. As I was walking, I looked at Gary and whispered “I think his beard is a fake.”

Just then, the man said “Wait!” I turned back around wondering if he had heard me. “Come here” he said as he struggled to his feet. I started to panic and my heart was racing. I took a step back ignoring his request. “Come here, just come" he repeated. His voice sounded familiar as it cracked. “Cole? Are you Cole?” I asked. Probably not the best grammar, but I seriously remember saying, "Are you Cole?" Ha ha! He once again said “Come here.” I took a few more steps back and told him “No”. As he stumbled closer, I asked him what he wanted. I noticed his hand in his pants pocket and started thinking of the worst happening! Did he have a knife? Am I on hidden camera? What was going on? Suddenly he dropped down to one knee and from his pocket; he pulled a little black box. When he opened the box, I saw the most beautiful diamond ring! I walked over to him and he said, “Amber Bunker, I love you so much. Nothing would make me happier than for you to spend the rest of your life with me. Will you marry me?” I was speechless! Even as he knelt there in front of me proposing, I still couldn’t recognize it was my Cole! I knew it was though from his voice. I, of course said, “Yes!” I was so happy, I couldn’t even cry! I was overjoyed and still in shock from what just happened! I turned to look at Gary and he was all sorts of confused! Cole put that ring on my finger and picked me up with a big hug.

I kissed his dirty face and got black grease all over my teeth! I had dirt and grease all over me! I didn’t care though! I was so happy that I was going to marry Jamie Cole Rasch! I asked how he had text me from out front without me seeing but his friend Trevor had his phone and was parked in the very back of the parking lot watching the whole thing! He told me that his beard and moustache were made of real hair and he had purchased them from Taylor Maid in Provo. He had gone to the Salvation Army to find haggard shoes and clothes, and he had painted his hair black with temporary spray. I asked how he got so dirty and he told me that he used makeup, grease from Trevor’s truck, and took a little dirt bath in the parking lot. We stood there laughing and hugging for the longest time.

I don’t know how he came up with such a clever scheme, but it worked! He told me he remembers all the times we’ve been together and I’ve given money to the homeless...I seriously have the hardest time when I see someone in such bad shape. He knew that it wouldn’t take long once I saw him to come out and help. Best proposal ever right!

I made him pose for a few pictures after all the excitement was mellowing out. Here are a few lovelies!