We're Getting Married!!

We met at New Faith Missionary Baptist Church. Truth be told, neither of us remember how we actually met for the first time. Not even our first conversation. I believe I was around nine or ten years old, which would have made him about eleven or twelve. As we got older we spent more time together in teen ministry and created a bond. I thought he was hilarious; Marcus would make me laugh until my stomach hurt. I really enjoyed his company. So every time he would ask me if I wanted to go somewhere, it was always a "YES". Including when he asked me to his senior prom. We went to prom as friends. Seriously, nothing more than that. But, after being treated like a princess the entire night, I knew, for sure, I liked him a bit more than just a friend. Fast forward to about a year after prom (Yes, an entire year), he asked me to be his girlfriend, and I said "YES". Fast forward 8 years and 1 child later he finally asked me to be his wife, and I said "It's about DAMN time!"

*Fair warning: Marcus had free reign to write this portion as he saw fit* It was a warm October day (thanks Florida). For years we had discussed taking family pictures and today was finally that day, with an added in surprise proposal. My palms hadn't sweat this much since I asked her parents for her hand in marriage. Mason and I made it to the car far before Keristyn (as usual). As we waited in the car, I informed Mason of my plans to propose to his mother. As I saw his eyes grow, and a huge smile form across his face...I knew I had made a mistake. Mason cannot hold a bottle of water, let alone a secret. As I pulled out the ring to show Mason, I prayed he would be able to hold on to this secret. Shortly after, his mother FINALLY made it to the car. Keristyn couldn't get in the car well enough before Mason yells "Mom, I've got to tell you something!" thinking on my feet, I started blasting Mason's favorite songs as we drove to the photoshoot site. To this day I am thankful to the "Trolls World Tour" soundtrack. As the music blasted and Mason sang along to the songs, I knew my secret would remain safe. We made it to the site for our family photos. Being a Florida resident, the beach was the obvious choice. Mason was very excited to be on the beach and play in the sand. Because he was occupied with the scenery, I knew my secret was safe. *Side Story* **As we were finishing family photos, the photographer's assistant kindly took Mason aside so that Keristyn and I could take some pictures alone. The two got acquainted and began to spark conversation. As they were talking, Mason informed her that I had planned on proposing. Mason, never one to shy away from asking ALL the questions, asked the assistant to "tell me more about this proposing thing." I looked from the corner of my eye and knew he was giving her an ear full. Unfortunately, I could not relieve the assistant from my son's inquisitive mind; I had a prime engagement ;)** *Resume Main Story* As Keristyn and I were taking our pictures, in between poses, I went down on one knee and waited for Keristyn to notice. As Keristyn turned, her eyes started to swell with tears. The words I had practiced for hours in the mirror, I just didn't like enough to express how much she meant to me. My words came out shaken as I held back tears of my own. Until finally all I could ask, was if she would marry me. And to my surprise, instead of a simple yes, Keristyn replied "It's about damn time!"