OK,
so I've told all my nearest and dearest so I might as well share this with you lot
My eldest phoned from his hols with his g/f to say that he has some news: they are engaged.
Great stuff - and I am so proud of him for keeping everything a complete secret to everyone (including his mother grrrr and girlfriend

) and asking her parents beforehand for permission to ask for her hand in marriage, chose what sounds like a lovely ring (risky - she's very picky) took her to the beach at sunset half way through their break away, knelt and asked her... It would have taken a lot of courage for him to do that.
I can't stop smiling and leaking tears.
I'm so proud of him for being such a gentleman and brave enough to be so romantic. She will be flashing that stone and gold at every opportunity and be over the moon.
He seems more a 'man' than 'a son' now.
It's great when true love works things out.
Have to go and get more tissues