So you've met The One. You've dated. You've vetted each other's families -- and even that one nutty uncle isn't so bad.
Everything's just peachy, and you want to take the next step.
So you bought the rock and you've been searching for the perfect place to pop the question. You want it to be a moment she or he -- hey, we're equal opportunity folks here at LIVE -- will remember always.
As the real-estate types say: location, location, location.
We've come up with 10 great places to propose in and around Baltimore. Take a gander at this list, and we're positive you'll be engaged by Valentine's Day.
The Milton Inn
Once a coach stop and then a school, this northern Baltimore County landmark has endured for more than 260 years -- may your love last as long. Many a hand in marriage has been given by the beautiful stone fireplace since the building became a restaurant more than a half century ago.
"Never in 56 years has anyone ever been turned down for a proposal at the Milton Inn," said co-owner Michael Stishan.
The staff has seen it all -- rings presented on pillows, rings hidden in cakes, rings inadvertently "picked up" off the floor by a waiter and "returned" to the unsuspecting bride-to-be. Stishan said on one memorable occasion, a patron bought champagne for the entire dining room and when questioned by his date explained he wanted everyone present to share in their happiness as he proposed.
14833 York Road, Sparks. For reservations, 410-771-4366.
The Top of the World
Show your beloved who the center of your world really is. Pledge your love at this 360-degree view of Charm City. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Chesapeake Bay.
27th floor of the World Trade Center, 401 E. Pratt St., open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, 410 -837-VIEW.
On the beach in Ocean City
There's nothing as awe-inspiring as the Atlantic Ocean in winter. Offer your heart as the waves break on shore. There are miles and miles of beach to choose from and you're sure to find a place to be alone this time of year.
Seidel's Bowling Center
A B-more institution, duckpin bowling is easy on the arm. Plus, the small ball will make that new diamond look even bigger. Write your proposal on the score pad and flash it up on the projection screen for all to see. Pop the question on Duck'n'Roll night (when local bands belt out the tunes), and you'll have an instant engagement bash.
4443 Belair Road, open daily after 4 p.m.; extended hours on weekends, 410-485-5171.
At the foot of the Washington Monument
This is the first Washington Monument, finished 19 years before that other one was even started. And your timing couldn't be better. After all, February's the month for love -- and presidents. George and Martha had a happy life, so maybe some of that karma will rub off. The monument's especially romantic at night.
North Charles Street at Mount Vernon Place, 410-396-1049.
Baltimore Ice Rink at Harbor Point
Etch your proposal in the ice. Or ask as you skate arm in arm at the city's newest outdoor ice arena. Propose now and you can return Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, to marry. Radio station MIX 106.5's annual "Wedding on Ice" will take place at noon that day. You'll need a city marriage license, and ice skates are required. If you can't get up the nerve, wait and pop the question Valentine's night at the Sweetheart Skate scheduled 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
At the end of South Caroline Street in Fells Point. For hours and skating conditions, 410-522-3213. To register for the "Wedding on Ice," 410-825-1065.
Antrim 1844
A romantic destination since it opened 16 years ago, this antebellum mansion and its many restored outbuildings are an idyllic retreat. The luxurious rooms offer antique furnishings, feather beds, fireplaces and marble baths. Dinner at the Smokehouse Restaurant is a six-course affair orchestrated by renowned chef Michael Gettier. Propose in the privacy of your suite, nestle the ring at the bottom of a champagne glass or have the chef spell out your quest for her heart in the sauce on her dessert plate. Director of catering Keith Jagdhuber said Antrim staffers help with about 30 marriage proposals a year, arranging for everything from serenading violinists to a minister for a couple who planned their own private wedding.
30 Trevanion Road, Taneytown. For reservations, 800-858-1844.
Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen
Baseball's not in season, but a lucky aura surrounds this stadium run by the area's best known baseball family. Assistant general manager Aaron Moszer said the staff will be happy to help you snag your favorite guy (or gal) with a sports-themed proposal. Moszer said a personal tour of the stadium could culminate with a visit to the Ripken skybox, decorated for the occasion. Or you could make your case via the video board or over the public-address system.
873 Long Drive, Aberdeen; 410-297-9292.
WISP at Deep Creek Mountain Resort
Woo him or her amid the snowbound beauty of Maryland's only ski resort. Propose on the slopes, as you cuddle on a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride or after you've been pampered at the in-house spa. If you want an extreme proposal, pop the question as you snowboard through the intimidating Super Pipe or as you speed over the snow on your own snowmobile tour.
On Deep Creek Lake, 290 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry. For reservations, 800-462-9477.
National Aquarium
Snuggle up and shock your intended by proposing next to the electric eel's tank. If that doesn't appeal, you can always find your own little corner of the rainforest. There are plenty of romantic nooks at the aquarium. On Fridays through the winter, the aquarium is open until 9:30 p.m. (buy your ticket by 8 p.m.). Feb. 14 through Feb. 16 the aquarium will open early at 9 a.m.
501 E. Pratt St., 410-576-3800.
For more club events, see Page 33.