The last first date- a coffee shop on Monroe Street, a two hour walk. Brian doesn't like coffee, but the date was at 1pm. DeeDee worked night shift the night before and he was right to assume good coffee was the key to her heart. It was literally the coldest day in January and DeeDee despises the cold. But they went on a walk, just to chat and clam the nerves, completely ignoring how far they'd gone until they were an hour away from their cars. DeeDee told Brian all about her rough night at work and the fact that she was greeted at home that morning with the washing machine that flooded her basement. Brian’s kind listening ear was exactly what she needed and learning of the kind of excitement DeeDee’s life revolves around didn’t shy him away from asking her on that second date. For the next several months, they closed down every spot they met. Sparks were flying and it didn’t take long to realize how much they had in common- growing up on dairy farms, running, traveling, outdoor adventures and most importantly their love for Jesus. The little pause that changed everything- Due to some personal circumstances DeeDee was going through, the crossing of their paths almost came to a complete end. But when she reached out to Brian to tell him she couldn't continue dating, his genuine and empathetic response held a special spot in her heart. He reminded her he saw a future together, that God has a plan, to lean on her amazing friends and family and that if things changed, she knew where to find him. Fast forward a few months, things got better and DeeDee knew she had to reach back out. Like Brian said, she knew where to find him. But that's awkward, she thought. A Facebook friend request seemed low risk. Brian accepted the friend request and they met up that week, sparks flew again, just like day one. The rest is history ;) Just kidding. There's more. What about Livi? When it was finally time for Brian and Livi to meet, Olivia took a quick liking to Brian and he made it obvious that he cared about her just as much as he did her mom. Brian loved doing things together, the three of them, often coming up with outings they all would enjoy. Green Flag :) And when it was time for Olivia to be introduced to Brian's family, the open arms were endless. If you are, were, or were raised by a single parent, you know how huge this is. Fast forward another year- the trip of their lives. Brian takes DeeDee with him on a 3 day backpacking trip with some of his family to the Grand Canyon. We all know you're not supposed to take rocks and things from national parks. But no one said anything about sneaking rocks into national parks, which is exactly what Brian did for the best proposal you could imagine! At the bottom of the canyon by the Colorado River he found the perfect spot to get down on one knee and give DeeDee the surprise of a lifetime.