Ted reveals that he and Stella had gotten into a fight after she invited him to her sister's wedding in six months and he broke up with her, realizing that they could be moving too fast.
When the accident occurred, Ted had seen all the things that he loved, allowing him to re-examine his relationship with Stella and realize that he wants her back.
After the nurse tells Ted he can leave, he rushes out to meet Stella, who is at Kiddy Fun Land with her daughter.
He gives Stella a small orange kangaroo stuffed animal and explains that he unsuccessfully tried to get a fake diamond ring.
In an interview for Television Without Pity, series co-creator Craig Thomas said he always knew he wanted to end a season on a proposal if the show was successful.