Planning to Propose to My Girlfriend: Need Your Help!

[wiley81]

OK, long story short:

I'm planning to propose to my girlfriend. On our first date I told her about the Orchid Thief and the popular Ghost Orchid, specifically that I loved people who had that one thing that they believe will make them happy -- and that I wished I could put all my stock into one singular idea.

A week later I wanted to get her flowers. However, there were no occasions (V-day, B-day, etc...) to give her any, except for Friday the 13th; so I sent her orchids and wished her a "Happy Friday the 13th." Plus, unwittingly, I added into the note: "the next one will be a Ghost Orchid."

Fast forward three years. I'm planning to propose and I've dug myself a nice little ditch. I've found "my one thing" that will make me happy, but I need help locating a Ghost Orchid or Dendrophylax funalis. I have made one contact, Claude from Hamlyn Orchids in Jamaica, but I'm curious if there were any other alternatives.

So, I guess, after trying to pluck your heart strings, I'm asking three things:

1) Does anybody know any sellers for a Ghost Orchid?

2) Do you know the going price for a Dendrophylax funalis?

3) I want to present her one (unrooted and without it inside a pot) while doing the whole kneeling gestures and heart-pouring bit -- but I also want to find another one to crystallize or encase or whatever to have her able to keep and hold for the rest of her life. Is that even possible? Forgive my ignorance.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Sincerely,

J