We were vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico at the same time and mutual friends introduced us. Several months later, back in Houston, we reconnected online. We learned that we lived in the same apartment complex on the same floor right down the hall from each other. Cut to October 2017, we start hanging out and our official first date was in January 2018. The rest, as they say, is history....

David had been subtly hinting for a ring for a while (by aggressively playing Single Ladies by Beyonce on repeat all summer 2022). I wanted it to be special and not so obvious. After picking out the rings, I put the plan into motion weeks in advance with the help of some close friends. David and I talked for months about having dinner at this fancy steakhouse, Steak 48. A dear friend of mine knew the manager and helped me get special reservations. I met with the restaurant ahead of time, so David was none the wiser and thought it was just another dinner. The restaurant put us in this intimate booth that gave us a clear view of the kitchen. David wondered why they put us at such a nice table. The drinks were tasty and the food was delicious. Dinner went off without a hitch (other than the rings burning holes in my pockets). It came time for the dessert course and, per usual, we ate so much we were not really hungry for dessert. Unbeknownst to David, I ordered dessert ahead of time. It was red velvet (one of David's favorites) bread pudding. I asked the restaurant to write "Will you marry me?" on the plate and bring it to the table after clearing our entrees. The dessert comes to the table, and it takes a few moments for David to realize what is happening. He sees the plate and by the time he looks up, I have the rings in my hand. I ask him to marry me. He starts crying and puts the ring on. I had to ask again to get that verbal "yes." Then, our waiter asks us if we would like some celebratory glasses of champagne. Despite the tears running down his face and struggling to find his words, David instantly looks up and says yes. We are finishing the dessert and champagne and I tell David the engagement is not quite over. We have one more stop to make. At the same time I was planning our dinner, I created secret group chats with friends. I told them about my plan and invited everyone to Houston to surprise David. It took some scheduling creativity (including planning for a friend from Denmark), but almost everyone was able to make the trip. Friends came from Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. After the dinner, I took David to this gastro lounge in east downtown where our friends were secretly waiting. We walked in and everyone started clapping and cheering. It was such an amazing moment for both of us. The tears started all over again. I saw the surprise in his face, but more importantly, I saw his big smile. The celebration continued and it was all smiles and almost overwhelming love. I am grateful and humbled to have so many friends who love and support us. It was one of the greatest nights of our lives and I am so excited to continue on this journey we call life with David by my side.