We're married!

That moment. The moment you know that your one true love is right in front of you. There was no more crystallizing moment in my life than when I saw Devon for the first time. After fatefully swiping right we met for after work drinks at Half Door Brewing. I saw her walking across the street and realized that she was too perfect for me and this would be a "One Drink, thanks for dinner, nice to meet you" sort of date. Four hours later and non stop conversation proved me wrong. I knew right from the start that Devon was the woman of my dreams. The first time I told her I loved her was as we were saying good night prior to her driving home. As always I walked her to her car and she stopped and looked at me as I opened the car door. We kissed goodnight and I told her "Drive safe. I love you." And then I froze. I realized what I had done! I had told this amazing woman I loved her...after knowing her 10 days...AND in front of a bunch of homeless people on the street. In my eyes I had just Ted Mosbeyed the most perfect relationship I have ever experienced! She told me not to worry about it and that she loved me too, my fears of torpedoing our relationship was alleviated.

I knew Devon for six weeks, four of which we spent together. The remaining two I was newly stationed in Japan and she was always there for me. She would FaceTime me at quite literally anytime of the day that I had available. I knew right away I had a special woman. And decided in early March that I had to marry her! I called her Dad in Guam...hard to ask face to face when you’re half a world away...and was super nervous! “Jim I’ve talked to my wife about this already cause we could see it coming. You’re the first boyfriend of hers that I’ve actually liked. So you have our permission”. I was above the moon! Now to the proposal! I was sitting in class in Rhode Island and thinking of the ways to do it. I had the ring, just needed to make it memorable. So I began to write a list of 100 reasons why I loved her. In the list down the side I spelled out WILL YOU MARRY ME? and the spelling stopped at her favorite number 37, very subtle I know. Reason 37 said “Saving this for later” and then the list goes on. So I pick her up at the airport in Baltimore and on the drive to the hotel I give her the letter. She reads it and cries but doesn’t notice the spelling down the side. When we get to the hotel and get to our amazingly gorgeous room we begin to settle in. So while she gets herself ready to go out and explore I set up a few more gifts on the patio. I called her outside give her a seat on the sofa and I hand her a necklace with Amethyst in it (my birthstone) and then there is a larger box. I have her open it and it is a Royals Jersey with the number 37 on it. At that time she sees the number she also looks up and sees the name on the back “SCHLUP” and she said “Wait that’s...” and by then I was already on a knee and asking the question. Easiest decision I’ve ever made!