We met through a mutual friend. We officially first met at our mutual friend's birthday party. Both just coming out of bad relationships. Both swearing off the opposite sex for the time being. Neither party wanting to start anything at the moment. So, we parted ways. During that time the mutual friend and wife kept chatting up Austin and interest was peaked. This friend then asked for help to plan Austin's deployment party. Austin was dragged out on to the dance floor multiple times by yours truly. Then towards the end of the last dance Austin worked up the courage to plant a kiss on me. And, as they say, the rest was history...

Christmas day was filled with its usual excitement. The backdrop to this event was Uncle Tom and Aunt Elizabeth's house on the Lake. Food was eaten, presents were exchanged, and stories were told. The party was winding down when Austin requested that we take some pictures together on the dock. I begrudgingly agreed and we headed down to the dock. Pictures were taken and approved of but, Austin wanted more. So we went back to our spot to take some more pictures and suddenly everything was in slow motion. Austin got down on one knee, the Higgins clan was already hollering from the back deck, and my mouth dropped. Austin finally squeaked out, "Will you marry me?" I of course said "YES!"