...but Emilie's father stalled for time... suggesting that perhaps they should pick up the conversation tomorrow.

The rest of the family was waiting nearby in the kitchen. Jason returned, perplexed, and resigned to waiting until the morning to complete the conversation.

That's when Emilie's mother snapped into action. She strode into the living room, whispered something into Emilie's father's ear, and retuned to the kitchen, where she gave Jason a thumb's up and said: "You're on!"

Jason resumed his courageous act, successfully completing the conversation.

When asked what she whispered into Emilie's father's ear, Jane disclosed the flinty truth:

"Straighten up and fly right!"

Emboldened by his success, Jason bided his time... until Christmas morning. Then, on a walk through the pine trees on the coast of Virginia's Eastern Shore, Jason knelt down on one knee, presented a ring he had acquired by way of family friend Susan Sutphin, and asked Emilie to marry him.

She said yes, of course!

Photos