We met three weeks prior at a concert in Milledgeville but it took Cody a little while to convince me that going on a date with him would be a good idea. I was a senior at the time living with my best friends, content in single-hood, focused on my final softball season and had graduation approaching. Little did I know, this country boy from a Cap City concert would become the best "yes." I agreed to a Valentine's date. He drove up from Macon and picked me up. Poor guy had to wait on me in the living room with all my roommates "goofy smiling" at him. We started with dinner at Los Magueyes. He opened the door, I talked too much, and we scarfed down a large cheese dip. I'm sure I asked him all the questions (mostly the one in the "things not to talk about on the first date" blog posts). Luckily, it didn't seem to scare him off. Before we left the restaurant, Cody had already asked me to be his date to a Luke Combs concert, which was a month away. I remember feeling secure about his intentions from day one. Once we got back to my house we parked in the front on North Columbia Street, Cody reached back and grabbed a single red rose and handed it to me. He then reached back a second time and said "and I made you this one." It was a flower he had welded for me out of horseshoes. Quickly, he made sure to tell me, "if you don't like it, you can always use it as a boat anchor." lol. It was the most thoughtful gift and it sewed up a second date for sure (smart man).

Up until this point I knew Cody was special to me. We had continued going on dates and moving forward in our pursuit of each other. There, however, was one thing missing from the timeline of our relationship. Cody still hadn't met my family. This particular Saturday landed in between two conference double headers. I really thought it was doubtful that we would be able to spend the day with my family and make the trip down 441. Thanks to Coach G, she made me a deal (or I'd like to think she did, lol). No practice Saturday, but I would have to promise to bring my best stuff Sunday. Still so thankful for this. Cody and I, along with Cass, loaded up and headed to Dublin for the St. Patrick's Festival. Cody met my family and we enjoyed the day. Once we got back to Milledgeville that night- Cody asked me to be his girlfriend. I said "yes" without a doubt in mind. We made it Facebook official (per Cody's request, lol) and luckily I followed through with my side of the bargain (#BobcatsOnTop) as we swept our double header that Sunday!

After church, we headed to Grandma Pat and Papa's house just as we always do for Sunday Lunch. Cody truly acted normal and so did everyone else. Because it was my Birthday as well, we celebrated with Ice Cream cake and cards. I opened everyone else's cards first and asked Cody where his card was. He told me had left it in the truck and had to go get it. He came in gave me the card as I was sitting on the couch with the family all around. I read the card and started brainstorming what I was gonna use the Home Depot card to make (I had told him I wanted to do a project together for my birthday). He then quietly said, "check the back of the card..." I read down the card in my head "Hallmark.. blah blah blah- "Will you be mine?" Beside me I saw Cody reaching in his back pocket and moving off the couch onto his knee, my heart dropped. Before he could open the box I said "yes, yes, yes" grabbing the ring will shaky hand and then he replied "Wait I didn't even ask you- Will you marry me?" (Let just say that answer had been #SetInStone in my head for a while). It was so special with some of my family around. We were both giggly, goofy, and a tad bit awkward but that's how we roll. I felt so much peace about our future, joy in the moment, and love from both our families and friends on this day. It'll most likely be the best birthday of my life.