it's happening!

8th grade math class <3

Cole and I were headed to DCA airport that morning for my mom's wedding. I was busy getting in maid-of-honor mode and had a thousand things on my mind. We stopped for lunch near our terminal, and I was getting a bit jittery in preparation for the wedding weekend. Cole said to me, "Don't worry, we'll make sure that the weekend starts off great!" That cheered me up, but I had no idea what was to come! Cole's parents pick us up after our flight lands in ATL. As we were driving to their place, we did some catching up and started talking about their new house that we were heading to. We turn into the neighborhood, pull into their driveway, and greet Cole's sister and her now-husband on the front porch. We walk into the house and set our bags down, all while I'm distracted taking in the new place. Cole's mom and sister start giving us the tour and show us the dining room, kitchen, and living room. They take me upstairs to show me the loft area and the guest bedroom that Cole and I were borrowing, which I found out later was Cole's chance to snag the ring from his dad! I walk back downstairs with them to the living room, and Cole is over by kitchen, next to the back door to the patio. He asks me, "Do you want to see the backyard?" I said, "Sure!" He opens the door, and I walk out to see some white cascading balloons, a ring shaped balloon, and a table covered in a burgundy tablecloth with the words "MARRY ME" sitting on top and a white sign in front of it with "The Metcalfes" in beautiful calligraphy. It all clicked right here. I froze and could not believe my eyes, which were already beginning to water. Then, I turn around to see Cole in front of me, dropping down on one knee. He pulls out the most beautiful ring I've ever seen, a gold ring with sparkling diamonds, which I learned was his mom's engagement ring. Cole's family stayed inside while we had our moment, which we'll keep to ourselves. Needless to say, I said "Yes!" so quickly, and we toasted and celebrated with the family and some close friends who came over. It's a night that we'll never forget!