We’re getting married!!!

Chris had just finished his military service and landed a job at TGIFridays in Arlington, TX. Amanda was off in Illinois for the summer—living with her mom, working an internship, and being a full-time college girl boss. At the end of summer, she headed back to Arlington and picked up her old hosting job at Fridays. On her first night back, she showed up to the restaurant and was greeted by all her friends—and *Chris*. He definitely noticed her walk in. But timing wasn’t on their side. Life kept lifing. Chris moved to Austin. Amanda bounced between states, relationships came and went, and years passed. **Then one night—boom—plot twist.** Amanda was bartending at Texas Roadhouse in *Austin* (yep, three hours away from where they first met) and walked past a table... and there he was. Chris. They were both in relationships, but it was wild running into someone from back home, totally by chance. They exchanged numbers, discussed a potential double date, and reconnected on Snapchat. Chris watched her stories for months—DC, Miami, Vegas—and let’s just say, he *paid attention*. When the stars aligned, Chris shot his shot. After a few missed dinner plans, they FINALLY met up at a Venezuelan spot in East Austin. It was supposed to be a quick dinner—Chris had to pick up coworkers flying in from Colombia—but the chemistry was too good. He canceled the pickup and sent a car instead. Dessert at Gourdough’s turned into shots at Wicked Wing’s with Amanda’s coworkers, and from that night on, they were inseparable. Now, five years later, they’ve got a house, a business, a beautiful modern family, and enough inside jokes to last a lifetime.

Chris *tried* to propose a few times... but Amanda has a talent for unknowingly ruining romantic plans. So on Christmas Eve 2024, he kept it simple. Amanda was in their room getting ready for work—plucking her eyebrows and packing for an overnight at her dad’s. Chris walked in with a wrapped box and told her to open it. She thought it was Christmas pajamas. Instead, it was a sweater that said: **“Future Mrs. Smith.”** Amanda stared. Chris got teary-eyed, said, “It’s time,” dropped to one knee, and pulled out the exact ring she picked out four years earlier. She said yes—brows halfway done and all.