We're finally getting married

I remember being 19 years old and seeing Brandon for the first time; grey zip-up jacket, white t-shirt, receiving his one-of-a-kind shy smile thinking, "he's 4 years older than me. It would never work." May 2016 Fast forward 4 years, on an early Monday morning (5a.m. to be exact), I heard this tall and handsome man ask, "hey, can I talk to you for a second?" My heart stopped- I had no idea what I looked like being that I had woken up in what felt like 30 seconds ago since I only had a 5 minute drive to open up the gym! After lending a sympathetic ear that morning, I looked forward to seeing him more often. From then on we spent that early hour together laughing and getting lost in conversation every time he came up to the counter before he left for work. It was during one talk we had, surrounded by nature, that I had fallen in love with Brandon. Not because of how sweet he was to me or because of his admirable personality. Not because of how hardworking and family oriented he is. It was something I never thought I would see in a man. It was the way he held my hand and explained to me how there was more to life than what I was used to and he wanted to show me the way. He wanted to take me places he had been and never been. That was truly when I knew he was someone who was going to change my life.

After living together for a few years, it was about time we hosted our first major holiday in our home - according to Brandon. On Christmas Eve I begged him to wake me up early so I could make a nice breakfast and set the table for dinner (and quadruple check to make sure everything was setup perfectly). It was 7a.m. that I had jumped out of bed and ran to the kitchen. After saying good-morning to Brandon and our kids (pets LOL!), I shrieked and panicked that I had gotten up so late and immediately started washing the dishes we would be using later. I then took a sip of coffee that he had poured me when he mentioned, "I think you forgot someone." My jaw dropped. How could I have forgotten the most important person on such a special day!? Prelude: Back in 2020 I had lost the most important woman of my life. The woman who raised me and made me who I am; the matriarch of my family - my dearest, Great-Aunt. Tia was taken from me so suddenly and very much too soon. I was devastated, in fact I framed a picture of her shortly after her passing and placed it in our living room so I could still say good-morning to her every single day despite her absence. I ran to her picture frame to greet her and wish her a "heavenly Merry Christmas" when I noticed a single red rose by her frame. Tears began to form because this simple gesture meant so much to me. As I held the rose close to my chest while thinking of Tia and wishing she would be joining us later, I felt Brandon reach around me. I was anticipating a strong hug since he knew how difficult holidays are for me without her, but then I heard him say, "Ohhh Jackie..." The moment I turned around, he was down on one knee and said, "I know Tia would want to be a part of this; will you marry me?" I covered my face and began to cry (is anyone surprised?). His thoughtfulness to include the most important woman of my life during his intimate and romantic proposal made this the most magical moment of my entire life. I am so very lucky. I cannot wait to marry you, Brandon!