We're Getting Married!

In 2021, I went on a road trip with my mom to look at retirement locations. After traveling for about a week, we finally got to Cookeville, TN on Monday July 26th. We checked into our hotel and stopped by the local Cracker Barrel. Mom had an inkling to check out an antique store in the area. After one failed attempt, we located Jones Antiques. Sitting behind the counter was a gentleman that offered to show us around his store and the rest of his building. David took us from one floor to the next exploring the Bunker with an incredible collection of military memorabilia, to the Bitter Inn that's immaculately decorated, and finally to the roof to get the best view that Cookeville has to offer, right in the middle of downtown. As we were getting to leave, he said to me, "Now, how am I supposed to get a hold of you when you leave?" I gave him my phone number and took his card with me. Mom and I left the store and continued to drive around town to see what there is to see. On that drive, she said, "You'll be here before your dad and I are." I didn't truly believe that was the case, but mom's have a way of knowing things. By August 1st, I settled in Dallas for 16 months. Meanwhile, David and I began to spend every night on the phone for hours. I laughed more than ever and felt the honesty from him that was new and refreshing. We spent the next 16 months taking turns flying back and forth between Dallas and Cookeville, getting closer each and every trip. In November of 2022, David flew to Dallas one last time. We had loaded my car with the last of my things and made the trip from Dallas to Cookeville. After settling in Tennessee, David and I continued to grow closer together. I never knew that I needed to leave California to find my person. I couldn't have picked a better man to share my life with.