Who would’ve guessed that a simple trip to buy some fresh new Nike’s would turn into meeting the love of my life? Even though i paid full price, I digress. So, post graduating college and after living with my parents for a year to help on the lake house I decided to move back to Jacksonville. Why? You're about to find out. On a standard summer day a few friends and I decided to take a trip to buy some new shoes at Dicks Sporting Goods. Unbeknownst to us, we were being stalked at the store by a group of young ladies led by.. You guessed it - Abby Manus. We were about to be check out when BOOM - some random girl comes to the register and pushes the other girl out of the way - awkward indeed but whatever. Abby ended up being the awkward girl checking us out and then we were on our way. Fast forward to that night at the local watering hole…Standing at the deck bar, minding my own business, and then it happened - or at least this is how i remember it... Yes, when I first met my spottieottiedopalicious Angel, I can remember that thing like yesterday. The way she moved reminded me of a brown stallion horse with skates on, ya know smooth like a hot comb on nappy ole' hair, I walked up on her and was almost paralyzed. Her neck was smelling sweeter, Than a plate of yams with extra syrup Eyes beaming like four karats apiece just blindin' ya boy.

It was late July 2013, and I was working at Dick’s Sporting Goods. I saw Paden and his friends (Al is the only specific one that I remember) come into my work. I specifically remember that because there were multiple discussions about Paden and his friends over the headsets the employees had to wear. Let’s just say this, the girls liked them, and were quite vocal about it. I also recognized them from the fraternity houses at Jacksonville State. Fast forward to that night, I went to the Pelhams with my girl friends from work. I went up to the outdoor bar to order my friend and myself a beer. Paden was also at the bar. I told him that I saw him at Dick’s Sporting Goods earlier with his friends. I told him that he and his friends had come through my checkout line and that I hoped he liked the Nikes he tried on and enjoyed the frisbees that he and his friends purchased. Paden asked if he could buy me a beer. I specifically remember telling him that I was buying one for my friend and myself. Paden then orders two beers, but he only handed me one. I reminded him that I needed the 2nd for my friend. Paden handed me the 2nd drink and then I left to go hangout. A few days later, Paden then added me on Facebook, but I denied his request because I did not like his profile picture. But, when he added me a 2nd time, I accepted it. He then started DM’ing me… and here we are 5 years and no commitments later. #itgoesdownintheDM

So, I now realize why they say you need to have your nails done on any vacation you take with your boyfriend. But, we have been together for 5 years so I mean HELLO! WE KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT ONE ANOTHER! WHY WOULD I DO THAT? We planned for months to go to Miami. While we were planning, I decided that I was also going to become Instagram famous while I was there, DUH! So, I ordered a few outfits online and I was set. Well, if you know me, you know I HATE not having a plan. So, I planned an itinerary for us. I literally had everything planned out. Then I realized that I was being selfish and probably needed to ask Pablo what he wanted to do. So, I asked Paden “What is the one thing you want to do?” He laughed and said “I guess go to the Vizcaya Gardens”. I said ok. He also said “Let’s go on July 4th in the A.M. so it’s less crowded.” I’m all “Ok, if that is the one thing you want to do, I’ll do it.” So, we arrived at the Vizcaya Gardens. (In the outfit that my cheerleaders picked out for me BTW) We were walking around the gardens and I pulled Paden in one direction and he said “No, let’s go this way!” So I went. Then I accidentally stepped in front of this lady trying to take a picture. I immediately tried to step out of her way, leaving Paden to fend for himself. I then heard Paden say “Abby, can you come here for a second?” I turned around and I never saw it coming. And much to my own shock, I had IMMEDIATE TEARS PEOPLE! He said “You’re not where you think you are, but you are right where you need to be”. Then I swear, the rest of it was a blur because he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I somehow through the tears, got to see the ring. Then, I started crying uncontrollably because it matches my grandmothers ring. I managed to say yes. Then I remembered that we are being photographed. And Paden planned an entire hour of engagement photos on the grounds of Vizcaya. I literally couldn’t have planned it any more perfectly than Paden did.