I was going to start this column by saying “sorry ladies, but Ike Dodson is off the market,” but people would be laughing for all the wrong reasons, and that portion of my story would likely end up on Ben and Sarah’s “wall of shame.”

            But it’s true.

            On Saturday, May 3, at 6:17 p.m., I asked my girlfriend to marry me — and fortunately — she said yes.

            The engagement brings to an end my years and years of bacheloring — or more realistically — my year’s of all-night Mario Kart sessions, home run whiffle balls into the angry neighbor’s backyard and uneventful trips to a local bar.

            A year ago I would have scoffed at the idea, but here I am, engaged, happy and lucky as a six-toed tightrope walker.

            I bought her a ring after over a month of extensive research on engagement rings, diamonds and clue's on what my girlfriend wanted. Then I spent the last few weeks planning the perfect way to pop the question.

            I set up Saturday by first inviting both of our families and a few friends to Mistlin Park in Ripon, and had my relatives bring food and drinks for an engagement party of sorts after the big moment.

            I then made plans with her to take some photos at the park, and after some extensive preparation on her part, managed to get her out the door in time to meet everyone in Ripon.

            As we started walking towards the picnic area, she began to notice all the familiar cars, and as we came closer, wanted to know why 25 people she knew were crowded under the gazebo.

            When she saw photographer Chris Leonard shooting from behind a bench, she knew something big was up, but with enough pulling and pleading I managed to land her in the middle of all our audience, where the lines I had rehearsed a dozen times spilled nervously out of my mouth.

            “So our family and friends are here because I have a question for you,” I said, getting on one knee.

            “I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you.

            “Will you marry me?”

            As my hand wavered with the ring inside of a white box, she covered her face and cried like I have never seen. As I took her hand, she sobbed out a quiet “yes.”

            I won’t forget the moment, and how lucky I felt looking into the teary eyes of the most beautiful girl in the world.

            She eats Jalapeños like they are candy, sleeps in till noon, refuses to follow instructions on the ramen noodle packets and takes an eternity to get ready.

            But she’s perfect, and everything she does makes me fall more and more in love.

            I tell her that she is my princess and my angel, but she’s so much more. She is the reason why I want to be a great man, a great father and a great husband.

            She’s proud of me when I get a base hit in lob-ball, she cheers me on when I win a game of Mario Kart, and thanks me profusely for bringing her another pepper.

            I love you Alysha Jo Burton, and I’m going to marry you.