We're getting married

In the fall of 2013, at THEE Southern University and A&M College, our journey officially began. Augustus C. Blanks Hall is where I first laid eyes on this short cutie with a dimple. I thought to myself, “Yep, that’s gonna be my wife,” not knowing her from a can of paint — as the old folks say. Throughout the semester, I’d throw a few words her way in class or when we crossed paths on campus, but nothing major. Almost a whole year passed without so much as a conversation with the future Mrs. It wasn’t like we were avoiding each other — well, at least I wasn’t (lol). Fast forward to Fall 2014, and there she was again — the short cutie with the dimple — walking near the parking lot by A.W. Mumford Stadium. I happened to be rolling by in Black Sexcii (if you know, you know), pulled up beside her smooth as ever, and sparked a little convo while creeping at a steady pace. I asked her name, and she said “Keanche'.” I thought to myself, “What in the ghetto shenanigans?” — but hey, that wasn’t gonna stop me. We talked for a few minutes, and she quickly found out I was on the football team. Her response? “Football players think they can get whatever they want.” And just like that, she kept it moving — straight up curved me as I asked for her number. (L7 Weenie!) Believe it or not, that was the last time I saw Keanche' for the next four years. No run-ins on campus, no social media, no emails — nothing. Total silence. Then in 2018, somehow, some way, I came across her page on social media. I thought to myself, “Well damn, it must be fate.” I hadn’t seen or heard from her in years. So, naturally, I started throwing little jabs here and there, just to show some consistency. Eventually, I decided to chest up and ask her out on a date. She agreed — I was too geeked. I thought, “Got her!” Picked out a fit the night before like, “Yea, this the one.” Day of the date, music’s vibing, I hit her line — no answer. I didn’t trip because it was still early. But as time got closer to date hour, she finally called back: “Heyyy, I’m so sorry! I worked late last night and just woke up. Can we reschedule?” Man… I was sick (lol). We ended up rescheduling two more times after that. At that point, I was like, “Damn, Keanche' ‘bout to miss out. I’ll be damned if I keep being put on standby. SHE the lucky one.” Then one day, she posted a pepperoni and pineapple pizza on her story. And if you know me, you know I love pineapples on my pizza. I told myself, “Self, don’t do it. This woman done stood you up three times already.” But as I was thinking it… my fingers were already typing: “Will you marry me?” Ever since that comment, we haven’t missed a day of talking. And that brings us to this very moment. (Guess football players do get whatever they want 😌) I’m forever grateful for Keanche' Deray Leslie-Beard. Through every high and low, she’s been by my side. #BlessedToBeBEARD