We're Getting Married!

Keith and I met online, neither of us really knowing anyone in the area. We decided to meet at a local bar, Engine House 9, in Tacoma. I was running late--it was the Uber's fault, I swear! We sat down and ordered beers (Keith pretending like he actually drank), me sitting down giddy as can be looking at their beer menu, and ordered mozzarella sticks. I definitely ate the last one--and probably more than my half--but he assured me it was okay, he had sisters and he was used to it. When it was time to go, Keith offered to drive me home... in his friends beat up Jeep that was filled with junk food wrappers and army clothes, that he had to borrow because his own car was in the shop. We talked for months... the car stayed in the shop for months... He would drive me nuts and I would stop talking to him for a while, then I'd get the urge to see him, so I would text him and we would go out for dinner. Keith thought I was in it for the free food, I think I was just trying to see how many different cars he could pick me up in. We kept dating and would stay in touch. I remember going to Disneyland and realizing to myself, "damn, I actually like this kid." Fast forward to September, and Keith decides to ask me to be his girlfriend. 9.28.2018, I'll never forget his nervous face--he still gets that way to this day. The story of us... we're two people thrown together and the universe decided to see what would stick. Who would have thought this happy go lucky Army sergeant and myself would find a way to navigate the world together? I don't know, but I'm sure lucky to have him by my side.

Chanelle planned Christmas photos for us this year and almost messed up my entire plan. Last minute, we had to move the date to a week earlier since the weather was going to be bad. Chanelle asked if the change was ok, and I said "sure, whatever you guys want" and internally was panicking. I was gonna grab the ring from work the following Friday, since I was keeping it at the safe at work to keep it hidden from Chanelle--she claims she doesn't snoop... lies. I had to reach out to my boss to come in on Saturday, when we were closed, to grab the ring at 8:30 in the morning. I was getting ready to leave to get the ring, when Chanelle wouldn't stop asking to come with so we could go shopping. I had to tell her "no" about 9 times, and finally had to just leave. I felt bad because she had no idea why I wouldn't let her come, so I had to surprise her with donuts when I came back so she wouldn't suspect anything. We finally leave for pictures at a tree farm for Christmas photos with us and the dogs. Good weather and a decent ride later, we get to the spot and took some pictures. The whole time I was trying to think of when to ask the question. A bunch of photos later, I’m still trying to figure out how to ask, when Heather asks if there are any other things we want to try. Chanelle runs to the car and came back with tiny chalkboards. Bingo! I've got the best way, and I know she won’t think of it because at this point she doesn’t think anything is going to happen. We both write on individual boards and I wrote the big question on it. Chanelle's in front of me with her "Merry Christmas" sign, meanwhile I'm holding mine up behind her. Then, Heather goes “Really Keith, balls!?” That gets Chanelle to turn around knowing I would actually write that. After a second, she actually comprehends what was on the board. I start saying how I love her and want to spend my life with her, and start mumbling out of nervousness. I did make it to my knee and asked her to marry me. She said yes!