Let’s do this thing!!

Josh was 23 and living in Dallas, and Kayla was 25 and living in Waco. As any tale starts these days, we met on a dating app. He was in his engineering career, and she was completing her Bachelor’s degree while working as a barista for Starbucks. Josh and Kayla matched online and began talking. A few weeks later, on 10/15/14, we had our first date. Kayla drove to DFW to have lunch with her brother, then made her way towards Dallas to meet Josh for dinner. She stopped at a gas station along the way to change from her yoga pants into a dress (talk about classy!). Kayla finished her drive to Josh’s apartment where he gave her a big hug and a vase of flowers. Such a gentleman! Their first date was at a nearby Olive Garden. The conversation was somewhat awkward as the nerves took over. Kayla did most of the talking, as if that surprises anyone! We went back to his apartment where Kayla was able to put her yoga pants back on, and they watched Hitch on Netflix. We snuggled up and talked some more. Josh was able to be more communicative as the time passed. As Kayla left, Josh knew it would be a good 1.5-2 hour drive home. He said that he would happily stay on the phone with her the whole way back, if needed. Kayla assured him she’d be fine, mostly because she felt like she was on cloud 9, and she headed home. Most know that we’ve had a roller coaster of a relationship with lots of on again/off again commitment. The majority of our relationship has been “on,” as we were always drawn to each other over and over again. Kayla knew in her heart of hearts that Josh was the one for her. Long ago, she told many friends that she would marry him one day. And now, that fairy tale is coming true.

For Christmas of 2022, Josh gave Kayla diamond earrings. She was trying to hide the fact that she was bummed it wasn’t a ring, but the feelings couldn’t hide themselves. We had talked about getting engaged extensively, and it felt like it should have happened then. Josh pulled Kayla aside and assured her that he had something planned and that she needed to be a little more patient. Kayla’s brother and his family flew in from Florida on the 27th. Shortly after, Kayla started to feel ill. On the morning of 12/30, Josh took her to the urgent care to be tested for the flu. Sure enough, it came back hot. We returned home and planned a lunch out with the family, with the addition of Kayla’s mom, so long as they steered clear of people and Kayla masked up. She was masking the symptoms with DayQuil and Theraflu ‘round the clock. The family went to McAlister’s Deli for a late lunch. All the whole, Josh’s younger sister and niece were decorating the house. On the way home, Kayla got the text that her medication was ready. We dropped the rest of the family and the boys off at the house, and we went to the pharmacy to get Kayla’s prescription. Talk about perfect timing. We got back to the house and walked in. Josh stopped at the refrigerator in the garage and grabbed something from on top of it. Kayla continued walking and saw the end of a long table with a black table cloth over it. She walked in to see heart shaped balloons, a gold tinsel door cover, and other beautiful decorations. Her family held two banners that read, “Will you marry daddy?” The boys were wearing matching clothes. Josh turned Kayla around and knelt down. Baby Austin started fussing because he wanted mom to hold him, but Kayla’s sister-in-law swooped in to save the moment. Josh asked Kayla if she would marry him, and, with tears in her eyes, she said yes! Of course! There were happy tears all around! Josh had planned for people to come over and many still did! His mom made a great deal of food that she brought over, and a mini celebration was had - while Kayla managed her flu symptoms!