The Cascade was a five-star restaurant that occupied the top floor of a five-star hotel. The only way to be seated in The Cascade was to make reservations, and sometimes these had to be made weeks in advance. The Cascade had a modern atmosphere to it. This was partly because of the dance floor that was located off to the side. Right behind the dance floor was the reason the restaurant was called "The Cascade." There was a beautifully lit twelve foot waterfall that created a serene environment. Beth had never been to The Cascade, but she had heard only good things about it, and she was very excited to spend the evening here with Greg.
When they entered the building, Greg led her towards an elevator. Greg took her to the top floor, and when the door opened, Beth was astounded. The restaurant was beautiful. The color scheme was made up of earth tones so as to complement the beauty of the waterfall. Everything was clean and neat, and every table was filled. While Beth observed her surroundings, Greg gave the hostess his name.
"There you are Mr. Sanders. Now if you would please follow me, I will show you to your table." Greg gently took Beth's arm as he followed the hostess to their table. He was still nervous, yet very excited. He had requested a certain table and was very glad to see that his request had been honored. The hostess led them to a small table positioned near a window. Greg watched as Beth took her seat and glanced out the window.
What Beth saw was the whole of Las Vegas. The lights seemed to be fighting wars with each other to see who could be the best and the brightest. She saw many hotels and casinos that she recognized, but they looked so different from her window seat. For a full minute, all she could do was stare out the window over the City of Lights. When she finally tore her eyes away from the beautiful sight, she turned to Greg. All she could say was, "Wow."
"I thought that was what you would say."
"Greg, this is beautiful."
"The company adds to the beauty."
A tear slid down Beth's face as she realized how much Greg loved her and cared for her. They sat in a reverent silence for a few minutes. Then Greg shattered the moment by pointing out that they needed to order soon, if they ever wanted to eat. She laughed a little when she realized that what had prompted him to speak was the growling of her stomach.
"Alright, if you insist, we'll order." They looked over their menus for a few minutes, trying to decide what they wanted to eat. Just as they were making their final decisions, the waitress came to take their order.
"Have you two decided on what you would like to order?"
Greg answered her first. "Yes, we have. I would like the steak dinner, cooked medium well."
"And to drink?"
"Oh, water is fine, thank you."
"Okay." She finished writing his order before she turned to Beth. "And what would you like?"
"I think I'm going to have the alfredo shrimp. And I'll have water to drink."
"Okay, your orders will be out in about half an hour."
Greg thanked her before she turned to leave.
"Half an hour? I don't know if I can wait that long."
"You will make it Beth, I know you can. And besides, the food here is worth the wait."
Beth and Greg settled into their seats and began to talk about the lab, Vegas, and various other things. Their conversation drifted from subject to subject as their meals arrived and they proceeded to eat.
"This food is excellent," Beth pointed out after she had finished her first bite. "You know, I'd even go so far as to say that it might be better than your cooking."
"That cuts deep." Greg put his hand over his heart and acted as though he had been shot. "But I agree with you. This food is excellent."
Their conversation continued to drift as they ate. And when they were done eating, Greg invited Beth onto the dance floor. She followed him as he took her hand and guided her to the section of the restaurant that housed both the dance floor and the waterfall. When they arrived, Greg requested a few slow songs and began to dance with his beloved. They danced in a silence that was a testimony to their love for each other.
Halfway through the third song, Greg dropped something to the floor behind Beth. He knelt down to pick it up before she could see what it was. When he had retrieved the item, he remained kneeling.
He looked up at her and smiled. "Beth, will you marry me?" He showed her what he had dropped. It was a small box, and it contained the most beautiful diamond ring she had ever seen. With tears in her eyes, she held out her hand and Greg placed the ring on her finger.
"Yes!" she proclaimed excitedly.