The very first night of the 5 day Dinah Shore Event, I attended the Pre-Party at the Chill Bar in Palm Springs. I decided to post up at the bar near the water station. With drink in hand, I was scoping out the room since this was a huge Lesbian event. After about an hour with nothing interesting happening, Anne came up to me and asked me "Are you Bella?". She had mistakenly thought that I was one of the event Organizers. I told her no and she gave me a funny look. That look would be known to us later as the "stinky face". I thought for a second she didn't like me much since she gave me that look but as she walked away to find Bella, I realized that I couldn't take my eyes off her. After eventually finding Bella, Anne started to video the event. I saw her from across the room, phone out, clear as day, filming everything around her*. I knew she had caught me on video and I stared straight at the camera thinking, "one day she'll look and see this and will catch me checking her out." She circled the room with her camera phone and eventually came back to where I was posted up, at the bar where she originally found me. I saw her over my left shoulder getting water. I was hesitant since she had given me the stinky face not but 15 minutes before, but I decided this was my week to get shot down so, I went for it. I innocently asked her if she found Bella and she said she had. We stood there awkwardly for a few minutes until some other ladies came up to us and we all started chatting as a group. We toasted the start of the 2024 Dinah Shore Party and at some point those ladies disappeared back into the crowds of women in the club. Anne and I stood there again a bit awkwardly and I decided to start small talk. As the night progressed we became more comfortable with each other. We talked as much as two people could in a loud club. Later she proceeded to give me her number and asked me out to coffee after the pre-party. I couldn't possibly say no to that Welsh accent and lovely smile so, off we went. By the end of the night, we had made plans to meet up the next day. For the rest of the 5 day event, we were each other's date and constant companions. We often got compliments from the other event goers about how cute we were together. She even took me out golfing and I took her to an escape room to meet two of my friends. What was meant to be only a 5 day event at the Dinah for me, turned into 2 weeks in Palm Spings with her. We had a wonderful time and made some amazing memories. At the end of it, I returned home gaining an amazing partner. Even though it is long distance, we always make time to facetime or text everyday. I also don't think I've ever met someone so funny. We just can't stop laughing! 🤣😂😜 Overall, looking forward to what the future holds for us and I can't wait to tie the knot with this Amazing woman! *see that video that Anne was filming in the Gallery.

On this particular day I had planned to play golf, but due to weather conditions I had to cancel and reschedule. Monica was working from home so I tried to keep busy and not disturb her. Later that afternoon I decided to take a shower as we had planned to go grocery shopping when she had finished working. When out of the shower Monica called and said I’m busy can you stay in the bedroom and I will call you when I finished what I’m doing? I replied “ok.” Within 10-15 minutes she said “you can come down when you’re ready”. As I began walking downstairs I could hear soft music (Fools rush in, covered by Haley Reinhart ) 🎶 and saw a flow of lit candles on either side of the stairwell. As I descended, I could see the living room was setup for something special. I could also see the two dogs were dressed for the occasion and Monica was bent on one knee with a message written behind her lit by candles saying “will you marry me”. I replied “Yes of course I will!” My heart burst with excitement. This was a moment in my life I will cherish for ever. I will be spending the rest of my life with the person I love who I have been waiting for ALL my life. All my dreams were now coming true. I love you deeply Monica Forever yours Anne 🌹❤️😘