Jumping the broom in Cancun!

December 11th. Birthday of one Keziah Corinn Morrison. And almost just as importantly, the day she finally met Harry. Before then, Keziah and Harry had matched together on Coffee Meets Bagel, and regaled each other with their thoughts on food, cooking, films, and travel. They chatted for a long time, a couple months at that! But every time they tried to set up a date, life just kept getting in the way. Whether it was work, family, health, travel, or holidays, nothing seemed to stick. Even so, Harry persisted and insisted that they meet on whatever day was most convenient for Keziah. As luck would have it, she had planned to take off work on her birthday. Feeling the weight of such a date, Harry was determined to make it a special day. Given their mutual penchant for food and wine, they first laid eyes on each other at Iron Bridge Wine Company. The dinner and drinks were lovely, but the company was better. As the night wound down, Keziah thanked Harry for celebrating her birthday with her and left thinking that would be the last time she saw him. She was mistaken. With great persistence, Harry sought date after date. Luckily for Harry, she gave him a chance and now they’re getting ready to jump the broom!

On one particular day, Harry decided to hold a picnic at home. Well, it wasn’t any particular day for him. It was the second day of the second month in the year 2021. This particular occasion planned for the evening was originally intended for Summer of 2020 as his intended is a fan of picnics, honeysuckles and lightning bugs. So on this day he tidied up the house, moved away the furniture, laid out a picnic blanket and basket, and cooked up some dinner. Harry put some thought into the dinner; the menu consisted of baby back ribs (in remembrance of their first road trip to Charleston), collard greens (the first dish Keziah taught Harry to make) and cornbread (have you had cornbread? It's delicious). Harry added to the ambience with a view of a meadow at dusk with lightning bugs just coming alive on the large screen in their living room. For the final touches, Harry laid out coupe glasses (a personal favorite of Keziah’s), lit candles, and eagerly waited for her to return home. When Keziah arrived home, she was greeted by a romantic candlelit picnic area in their living room. Harry went down on one knee, opened the picnic basket, and asked her to take a look. Nuzzled at the bottom of the basket, underneath the champagne, sat a small box. Opening the box to reveal a salt and pepper engagement ring, Harry in a heartfelt manner poured out his love and affection and then asked for her hand in marriage. Keziah promptly said “yes!” and then looked up at Harry and asked him to repeat what he had just said because she did not hear it over her shock. They laughed, and so it was.