We're getting married!

We were introduced by one of our mutual friends, but didn't think much of it. First impression, I thought he was incredibly handsome & well-dressed. Never told him that until last year! To hear his recollection is too comical, so you'll just have to ask him if you don't already know. As acquaintances, we further evolved as friends. One day, he proceeded to message me via messenger, asking "do you like to run?" If I'm being totally honest, I didn't know where he was leading me with that question! However, I answered, "yes." He invited me to join him and a few others who would occasionally meet up to run as a group, called RUNROA. Hesitant, but eagerly I accepted! As I pulled up to park at the Murray Run Trail location, I grew anxious. I suddenly realized how nervous I had become in a matter of seconds. We made eye contact, shared a smile. Still in the car, just parked, I developed sweaty palms and my heart felt as if it were doing flips in my chest! I actually contemplated (multiple times) putting the car in reverse and driving off, but figured that would be too coward of me. Three miles later, there was mention of an "Ice Challenge." Stupidly, I continued to stand around chatting & cutting up with others, not giving attention to the ice bucket discussion. Little did I know, and because Dujuan failed to mention that detailed aspect of the run, but the Ice Challenge was considered a "welcome" for run newcomers!! Needless to say, I was totally unprepared & cooled down quickly! Luckily, I didn't have to do it alone. What was cooler than cool (ice cold), was that one of the girls who had to do it with me was someone who was a long-time friend of mine, who was coincidentally invited by the same person who originally introduced Dujuan and I. Many, many date nights later and with the love and support of our friends & families, the rest has been history......

First Quarter: We are a unified couple, but a divided household during football season! While he supports the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Hurricanes, I love my Philadelphia Eagles and Virginia Tech Hokies. We are both passionate and loyal fans! As many or all of you know, Philly has never won a Super Bowl, and it had been years since they had even been last. Second Quarter: A cold & snowy day! The Franklin's were planning to host their annual Super Bowl get together with tons of good food, beverages, and friends. However, I was struggling with a minor head-cold, and hesitant to keep our plans because of the weather. Dujuan calmly encouraged that we still go & watch the first half. I had been anxiously awaiting, anticipating, and excitedly groggy all day. Under any circumstance, Dujuan and I always smack-talked one another and the others team. This day, was a little different. Honestly, I never thought anything of it until after the fact, but all he kept repetitively asking me preceding the game that day was, "do you think y'all are going to win?" Every time, my answer was just as firm as the last and I simply answered, "yes!" Third Quarter: We headed to our friends house before the start of the game, where a lot of our close friends would gather too. I had already mentally prepared myself to have to tolerate a lot of smack-talk, especially from Dujuan since he hated everything Eagles - except me, of course! To my surprise, his behavior was the total opposite. He was routing for us to win & even handling my talk battles with one of his good friends who was trying to derail me. Fourth Quarter: Less than a minute to go and the Eagles had just secured the WIN by intercepting a pass attempt from Tom Brady & the Patriots. Celebrating, I turned around to find Dujuan down on one-knee, asking for us to spend the rest of our lives together. I screamed loudly, fell to my knees, and answered "YES!" Just like that, I had two rings in one night. It was a night we'll never forget!