We're getting married!

As the morning sun bathed the shores of Alki Beach in Seattle, Emily had no inkling of the surprise that awaited her. Unbeknownst to her, Erik and his kids orchestrated a flawless plan. While Erik was nervous, there was an underlying sense of confidence in his heart, knowing that this moment was meant to be. Alki Beach held a special significance for Erik, who had once called Seattle home. He knew it was one of the most breathtaking spots in the city, and he wanted to share its beauty with Emily, who was experiencing it for the first time. Erik was determined to make the proposal as unforgettable and beautiful as Emily is. The decision to propose didn't come lightly for Erik. He had spent months observing the interactions between Emily and his children, Hunter and Mckenna. As their bond deepened, Erik began to see Emily not only as his partner, but also as a cherished member of their family. When Hunter and Mckenna expressed their fondness for Emily, eager for her to be around more, and even declaring their love for her, Erik knew in his heart that she was the missing piece to the puzzle. Before popping the question, Erik sought the blessings of those that mattered most. He first approached his children, Hunter and Mckenna, with the idea of Emily becoming a permanent part of their lives. With teary-eyed nods and enthusiastic thumbs-up, they loved the idea, affirming Erik's belief. Next came the crucial step of seeking permission from Emily's father, David. With the help of Emily's sister, Molly, Erik orchestrated a heartfelt conversation that ended with David granting his blessing. The set-up was a family photoshoot at Alki. Erik attempted to guide Emily into the classic hand-holding pose, hoping to capture a tender moment between them. However, Emily had other ideas, playfully knocking his hands away and declaring the pose "dumb." After some gentle persuasion, Emily agreed, allowing for a few shots before what would become the pivotal moment. As the camera clicked away, Erik dropped to one knee, ring in hand, and poured his heart out to Emily. It wasn't until that moment that the gravity of the situation truly hit her – this was the moment she had been dreaming of. Following Erik's heartfelt proposal, Hunter and Mckenna ran in, bursting with excitement, their cheers echoing along the shoreline. Reflecting back, there was a subtle, yet significant detail, that added a touch of humor and sweetness to the proposal. Throughout the early months of 2023, Emily had begun expressing her excitement about the prospect of marriage, while Erik, wanting to ensure the timing was right, often playfully teased her with responses like "yeah, maybe in a couple years" or "5-10 years" if Emily gave him a hard time about something. What started as a cautious approach to the topic gradually evolved into a running joke between them, woven into the fabric of their daily conversations. When the moment finally arrived on the shores of Alki Beach, Erik couldn't resist incorporating their playful banter into the most significant question of their lives. As they stood hand in hand, surrounded by the beauty of the beach and the warmth of their closest friends, Erik's playful quip of "5-10 seconds" served as a nod to their shared journey and the countless conversations they had about their future together. For Emily, the weight of Erik's words didn't fully register in that moment of shock and joy. It was only later, amidst the waves of emotion, and the realization of the significance of Erik's playful remark truly sank in. It became a cherished memory, symbolizing not just the beginning of their engagement, but also the depth of their love and the shared laughter that would accompany them on their journey towards forever. In that magical moment, surrounded by love, laughter, and the breathtaking beauty of Alki Beach, Emily said yes, sealing their love amidst the warmth of their closest friends and the golden hues of the morning sun.