Erica planned to celebreate her 31st birthday with close family members at Club Soda, a popular restaurant in downtown Fort Wayne. However, as typical for January 12th, snow and slippery roads threatened original plans. Erica suggested canceling the celebration, but Joseph reassured her that there was no need to cancel. Joseph dropped Erica off at the door of the restaurant and Erica entered alone. She noticed a few extra guests. She was surprised to see that many of her aunts and uncles, a few close family friends, and several special co-workers were there. All enjoyed dinner and Joseph excused himself to the gentlemen's room as dinner was wrapping up. Erica suspected he was up to something, however, Joseph quickly returned and everyone began to pack up their leftovers. But then, Mario and Amarion (two of Erica's little cousin's) made a surprise entrance into the restaurant. They were carrying poster boards. As they got closer to the table where everyone was sitting, Erica read the signs. It was a simple, but ever so precious, Happy BIrthday message. Joey instructed Erica to stand and get a closer look at the signs. As she stood, the young boys lowered the poster boards to expose the t-shirts they were wearing. Erica read their shirts which read, "Erica, will you marry Joseph?" As she began to cry, Joseph got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage.