We first met at Dirty Bill's in downtown Austin. There was an instant connection between us that grew as we spent the day together with mutual friends... although Lance's courage to make the first move wasn't so instant. By dark (yes, hours later) Lance finally made his first move. I was in the middle of a dance circle being silly and Lance jumped right in with me. We danced. We laughed. We clicked.

Lance and I went to California for his 31st birthday. Our first night there Lance said he wanted to take a walk on the Santa Monica Boardwalk to see the boardwalk lights at night. We began our stroll enjoying the scenery, happy to be back in one of our favorite cities. Little did I know, Lance was scoping the perfect spot for the perfect proposal. Lance finally led me to the game Balloon or Bust. He told me if I pop all 4 balloons I will win something "shiny." I did not catch on to what that meant in the moment, my competitive nature was too focused on winning the game. After only hitting 2 of the 4 balloons (I know Dad) I turn around expecting to hear some trash talkin' from my equally competitive boyfriend, only to find him on one knee holding the most beautiful ring. The next several minutes are a blur. My legs went numb. I instantly fell back on the arcade game counter. I couldn't speak and because of my silence Lance goes, "well?" I quickly shouted yes! We hugged. I cried. A crowd formed around us. A boy on a date quickly pulled his gf away from the scene (well played). The night was perfect - full of pure happiness and awaited joy.