As you all know (or are finding out now), Camille pursued me. Our initial meeting was during a fire alarm, in an alleyway, behind Aspira, where we used to work together. Fast forward a few years, and Camille's plan was hatched. As I had left Aspira, I maintained friendships with those I used to work with, and I would occasionally visit at our favorite stomping ground--The Belford. One night, we had all decided to go out and catch up. As the night got later, and others left, there was only Camille, Campbell, and I left. An old (and rather peculiar) acquaintance of Campbell's came in, and Campbell was talking to him. That left Camille and I to talk, which at this point is something we had not really done. We talked about Disney, her love for Belle, and being single. I was barely able to get a word in edgewise. At this juncture, Camille saw her break to probe my personal life. She asked point blank, "Why are you single?" I replied that I was not sure, but usually I simply don't let girls I would go out with know I was interested. Her response, epic, "Well you should, and remember when you do, Belle is the best Princess." I took this as rather odd, but also in my state of Anti-Hero bliss, knew it was the greatest pick line ever. Once Camille decided to head home, I agreed to walk to her to her car, the Aspira neighborhood has a few unsavory characters hanging around at night. While walking, she complained of cold hands, to which she tricked me into holding, and that her car is on fumes... I have come learn this is the normal. Due to the cold, I agreed to pump gas for her. From this point on, her concocted plan had formalized, and she effectively removed me from the market.

In 2017, on one of our first dates, Dan called me and asked if I was willing to take a detour before dinner; he said he found something that he thought I would really like. On his way to the restaurant, he accidentally found the Rosemont Christmas Lights Display. My dad is the unofficial "King of Christmas", so I have grown up loving holiday lights and Christmas displays. It was so beautiful that we brought the kids back the next year to see the decorated trees, visit Santa, and share in a new Christmas tradition. Last Christmas, we returned once again with the kids and my family. I thought that Dan just wanted to share this holiday display with "The King of Christmas". Little did I know that a different surprise was in store. When we approached the giant, glowing Christmas ornament to take a picture, Dan seemed preoccupied with how many people were there and individuals not staying in line. It was only a little strange, as it is always the most random of things that seem to get on Dan's nerves. When it was our turn, Daniel got down on one knee in front of the kids, my family, and the long line of people waiting to take their pictures as well. Dan and my sisters enjoy teasing me about it now, but I truly didn't realize what was happening until I heard someone in line gasp. For some reason, that made me look down at his hand and see the ring. In shock, the first words out of my mouth were, "Are you serious?" I immediately followed that with, "Of course I will!" However, I can already tell that this is going to be something that Dan will NEVER let me forget. I still can't believe that he was able to pull it off without me guessing what was happening. We announced the engagement to the rest of their family and friends on Christmas Day.

From freezing hands to shining holiday displays, we initially planned to celebrate this new chapter in our lives together with a Christmas wedding. As we all know, life had other plans. We spent the day that would have been our wedding with the kids at the place that started it all. (No Daniel, not the CEC)... We visited the Rosemont Christmas lights. We took way too many pictures, ordered in for pizza, and had a Christmas movie night. Even though it wasn't the day we initially planned, we certainly had ourselves a Merry Little Christmas.

Well look at you reading all this...bit of a suck up, huh? Well anyhow, since COVID gave us lemons--rotten, sour lemons--and Gracie won't eat them (I've tried), we are now making lemonade and having a July wedding in the warm sunshine. Please, no beach attire (leave the speedos at home). We think this will be much better. I am old and hate the cold; it makes my arthritis flair (old sports injury), and Camille doesn't want to listen me complain. So see you in July! Plus, summer in Chicago is said to be quite nice...