Their day started early with the journey to Paris from London. The trip wasn’t too long; departure from London St Pancras and arrival to Paris Gare du Nord only took a few hours in total. From Gare du Nord they made their way into central Paris (witnessed a mugging on the metro - but that’s a story for another time) and navigated to the quaint AirBnB rental. It was not an easy journey. It’s true what they say about Parisians; they are quite rude. Nevertheless, Brandon and Brooke made their way through the city, down narrow streets and bustling crowds, dropped their bags at the flat and headed back out to see the Eiffel Tower up close. Sight seeing, a quick lunch, and an afternoon nap helped to pass the time before dinner reservations. Brandon had booked a spot at a local French cuisine within walking distance of the flat. This place was fancy, but maybe a little too fancy for their taste. While the meal was delicious and the experience certainly French, Brooke was looking forward to her planned stops on the way back to the AirBnB. She’d had it perfectly envisioned: pick up a small charcuterie spread, a dessert, and a bottle of wine to enjoy together from the balcony of the flat, and wait for the Eiffel Tower to sparkle once the sun went down. What she hadn’t planned for were the local shops to be closed before 9pm, and so they arrived back to the flat empty handed and a little disheartened. Overall, Paris had not been living up to the expectation. Brooke still had hope in the sparkle of the Eiffel Tower to lift their spirits before bed, and so out to the small balcony she went to watch the sunset and take in the sounds of the streets of Paris. While she’s out on the balcony, Brandon is inside the flat contemplating his proposal plan. The day had not gone at all as he had hoped. Should he wait until they got back to London? How would he do it there, if not here in Paris? He remained inside for a little while, and Brooke did wonder what he may be up to, but she did not have any inkling that he was about to propose. She’s texting with her mom and girlfriends, going over with them the disappointment of the day overall, but how at least the view from the balcony was breathtaking. They were, of course, impatiently waiting for the news that Brandon had popped the question. A proposal was the furthest thing from her mind in that moment. Brandon appears in the doorway of the balcony, and smiles at her. “What is it babe?”, she asks him. He responds, “do you want a reason to love Paris?”. Confused, Brooke answers, “what do you mean?”. Brandon comes out onto the balcony, and reveals a black ring box in his hand. Sliding the small table and chair out of the way, he kneels down and opens the box, “Brooke Nicole…..” And it is here that Brooke cannot recall a word of what else was said in this moment besides her full government name, “Will You Marry Me?”, and “Yes”. Joyful tears and laughter followed as the couple sat together on the balcony, waiting for the Eiffel Tower to light up, and calling their family and friends to tell them the news. An overwhelming and disappointing day turned into the loveliest night and memory that the couple will cherish forever.