The following story is written by Ann. Approved by Fran.

The date was my birthday, August 6th, and we were spending my birthday in the city that I love, CHICAGO. We spent the night in downtown because Francis had to “work” close by – I’ll get to that in a little bit. He woke me up early saying we had to go to my first surprise…. How darling is he? We headed out and he brought me to one of my favorite restaurants, Longman & Eagle. I've never tried their brunch and let me tell you… Go! Go now! Afterwards Fran tells me, “Are you ready for your next surprise?” As he walks away he comes back holding a key. “Where are we going with that?” I ask. “Let’s grab your suitcase from the car.” He says. Getting my suitcase I was so confused. We turn the corner from Longman & Eagle and go through this secret door and walk upstairs. As Fran gives me the key he says, “Open the door.” We were going to stay at Longman & Eagle’s hotel!  The dream! The food! The drinks!  I was in heaven!

After settling in Fran was already asking me, “you ready for your next surprise?” I was already getting overwhelmed.  The key to my heart is food and getting VIP treatment at Longman & Eagle was more than enough. Within a few minutes we were out the door again. Driving around we finally stop and park. We walked up to a cute little retail space which turned out to be a SPA. We walk in and get the special treatment: Pedicures, sauna, and couples massages (yeah, Fran got a pedicure). I was in awe and loved every minute.

When we were finished he said we had to go back to the hotel and get ready to be out the door by 7pm. 7pm? Why so precise? If you guys know me I miss my dogs constantly; so when Fran mentioned we had to leave at an exact time I thought we were going to pick up Chewy from somewhere. Okay, okay, I have three dogs but Chewy is my number one (don’t tell Leland or Belle). So thinking we had to leave not a minute later that’s all I thought in my head.  As we were getting ready I ordered more Longman & Eagle – don’t judge me. I texted all my family and friends to meet me that night at Ñ for drinks after this “surprise.” I kept asking Fran, “How long is this surprise? Are we going to be back in time to meet everyone? You think dogs are allowed at Ñ? Can you just go?”  Fran hates it, but I always ask a million questions to try and get the surprise out of him.  

7 o’clock! Out the door! We jumped into an Uber and he just started driving. We weren’t headed to the airport but towards downtown. Now, I’m thinking are we going out to eat? But I just ate? Cake? Shopping?  I had no idea where we were headed but before I knew it, we arrived. Looking around it was just a bunch of restaurants and bars, then we just started walking up a weird staircase with no sign. Walking in I just saw food laid out and then I turn back and pictures were being taken. When I turned the corner, I see a room filled with all my closest friends and family. Yelling, “Surprise!” Immediately I had to sit down and watch a film. Everyone gathered around me watching the process of Francis building and creating this Pop-up Gallery for me. The past two days I thought he was working and going on photo shoots! Turns out him and his best friends were putting together this gallery to propose. He is so cleaver and sneaky! After watching this beautiful film of his hard work. He turned to me, said a few words, and was down on one knee. He asked to marry me and without hesitation I said,  “yes.”