We're getting married!

We met in the middle of the street - Red Fox Lane. Jackie was taking her daily walk and Phil introduced himself as a new neighbor in Bulow Plantation. A few weeks later when Jackie let it be known that she needed crown molding installed on her kitchen cabinets, she got word that Phil was a trim carpenter and she hired him. We began to notice each other at the mailbox, at the pool, at coffee hour, at HOA meetings, at a Halloween party, and at a Steelers party. At a community karaoke night. Phil sang "Can't Help Falling in Love", and Jackie stood in the back of the room harmonizing. He kept watching her and it seemed to Jackie that he was singing to her, which he later admitted was true. Jackie traveled to Illinois and was gone for three weeks and when she returned, Phil told her that he missed her. Soon after, we began to find harmony beyond music, and discovered that we were compatible in opinions, actions and preferences. We both realized - "This is it!"

On Christmas Eve, when I was recovering from a bad case of the flu, Phil suggested that we open our gifts. When I was opening mine, I looked over and Phil was down on one knee. He looked into my eyes and said, "My dear Jackie, I love you. Will you spend the rest of your life with me? Will you marry me?" The sincerity in his voice brought tears to my eyes. I was so overcome with surprise and emotion that my throat constricted. I swallowed the lump in my throat and managed to say "YES," I finished opening my gift, a beautiful diamond ring, and we were engaged. We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you. See you in Flagler Beach!