Justin and I worked on the same unit at a psych hospital, different shifts. I worked 2nd shift and he worked the graveyard shift. He was known as the one that would buy everyone food for 2nd and 3rd shift (this is important), look nice on the Fridays we could wear nicer clothes, and would be cracking jokes with the nurses and technicians. Justin started to ask me what I wanted from restaurants he was getting food from. Even if he didn't ask me (I was a busy gal), somehow he would always have something extra that he ultimately decided should go to me. Little did I know that he was doing this to get me to like him. Eventually, he asked me if I wanted to "vibe at Texas Roadhouse" with him. Again, little did I know he was asking out on a date. I had to consult the "girl counsel" and they definitely made fun of me for not picking up that he was asking me out. Then I texted him to set up the "vibe at Texas Roadhouse".

Justin showed up to the door of my little 1 bedroom apartment with a dozen white roses. Instant green flag. We hopped into his blue Nissan chariot to head to the country castle of Texas Roadhouse. There was a 20 minute wait so we decided to go to a pet store which was a great time. Did I deliberately take him to the wrong one? Yes, but honestly I thought it was hilarious, he did not. Then we got the text that our table was ready and then we feasted. While we did, Justin was obviously nervous, I was cool as a cucumber... comparatively. Due to nervousness, Justin kept waving a cinnamon butter-covered steak knife very close to my face while talking with his hands. I had to tell him to try not to kill me... maybe this should've been my sign to be scared but I am sure glad ignored the sign. Not going to lie, it was the best date of my life. And the rest is history.

Justin planned a date day where we would go to my favorite park for a picnic and then go to our reservation at Bella Notte. When we were driving to the park, he did not realize that the park entrance was close due to a U.K. football game. It took us forever to get there. I told him it was okay if we went somewhere else, he said it was not okay (this should've been my first clue I was getting engaged). After about 40 minutes of driving around and hiking to the park, we made it. As I was setting up our charcuterie board he handed me a book filled with pictures of all of our memories to date (should've been my second clue). A photography group came by (third clue) to take photos of us. As I was looking through the book, they were taking photos but Justin looked panicked that I was looking through it so fast. Turns out the last page was his proposal. Took me a second to realize it but my man was down on one knee. Thank goodness we have sound bits of what he said because I could not process what was going on. Through clouded eyes and sobs I said "yes". Thank goodness he (and my mom) convinced me to not wear my glasses.