Jose's sister (Perlita) introduced us over dinner at a Red Robbin. We didn't think anything of this meeting until 5 years later when Jose was trying to make his way out of the friend zone. Blinded by what was in front of me I never realized Jose was trying to sweep me off my feet all these years. After so many great times together we decided to "go for it". The best decision either one of us has ever made was taking our friendship to the next level.

Originally I saw myself down on my knee in Paris, France under the magical Eiffel Tower, but that plan soon changed once I heard Monica described the way she'd hope I'd ask; an intimate dinner with those closest to her. First, location which I finally decided on the one place we find ourselves at most thirsty Thursdays with miches in our hands and our side of chips and guac. La Huasteca it is. Second was the date, how could I get Monica to dress up without knowing something was up? I told her I wanted to have a nice pre-bday dinner for her the day before we take off on a surprise birthday trip I had planned for us. September 6th, at 7pm. Third was asking for the help I needed to pull off the set up. I asked Julia, her best friend and MOH, for a hand in setting up the restaurant with decorations and without hesitation she agreed and surpassed what I had asked for. I also asked one of my best friends Sandra to help with the idea of having her birthday cake say the magical words "Will you marry me?” and she definitely nailed this. Fourth was getting our families and friends together to surprise her for her birthday before I surprised her with the million dollar question. Now the main issue here was getting Monica's parents there which many know they are not in speaking terms. I spoke to them individually about my plans to propose to their daughter and they agreed to be present. Phew! Finally, the time had come. Palms sweating, nerves racing through my body, ring hidden in my pocket, signal sent to Sandra to come in with the cake, replaying what I was going to say to her while on my knee, and then it hit me. What was I so nervous about? I winged my speech and let my heart speak to hers as I asked my best friend to Marry ME!