We're Getting Married!

Ashley was living in Chicago with Chris & Travis (Three's Company but better!). To this point Ben didn't exist, let alone did Chris have any single friends. Ben coming out to visit that weekend ended being a very pleasant surprise for them both! Friday morning was laundry day so Ashley woke up early to get a few loads in. With wet hair and her favorite ripped jeans she headed up the back stair well with basket in tow when the backdoor to their patio opened and out walked this tall drink of water. Ashley froze in place, heart racing, palms sweaty and she could barely get the words out but they both smiled and managed to say hello. At that point she realized Ben was the friend and he realized Ashley was the roommate. Ben was leaving for the day and as he was walking out said, "Chris gave me your phone number in case I needed to get in later." Ashley thought that was strange and why would Chris give her phone number before giving Travis'. She shrugged it off and believed him but little did she know Ben didn't actually have her phone number. Ben will say it was all part of his plan but we're pretty sure he was so nervous it was the only thing he could come up with! Winters in Chicago one doesn't spend much time outdoors. We decided to walk a few blocks down to a friends house for a rousing night of shuffle board. Between the friendly banter and subtle flirting Ashley knew there was something special about this guy. Later in the evening, with the help of those Rumchata shots, Ben came and sat next to Ashley on the couch and very politely turned and said, "Chris didn't tell me his roommate was so beautiful!" Say what? We ended up spending the rest of the weekend together and from that point forward haven't gone a single day without talking, even if it's just a text message to say hello or good night #swoon.

Ashley was leaving for a week on business and had a 7am flight out of SFO which meant they had to leave the house around 5:30am. If you know Ashley, you'll understand how a morning proposal wouldn't have been on her mind! Riley was not so patiently waiting at the bottom of the stairs for Ashley to bring the rest of her bags down. As they made their way to the door Ben turns to her and says, "I think you're forgetting something!" In her head she's trying to go through the suitcase and backpack. As she looks up Ben is already down on his knee asking her to marry him. Still not understanding what was happening she stood in shock without answering. All of a sudden Ashley is screaming, Riley is still barking and Ben is putting a ring on it!