The reason I suddenly did this was because Priscilla Bates told me he wanted to propose but hadn't found the right moment. I thought one of us had to make the first move, so I planned this crazy anniversary celebration.

But our argument eventually calmed down. He apologized first and explained, "Joan, my upbringing wasn't ideal, so I don't want to rush into marriage without being fully prepared."

"You are as cherished to me as you are to your parents. I want to give you the best of everything."

So, like a fool, I forgot all the insults and threw myself into his arms. Three more years passed, and he...