We were both members of NCA&T State University's marching band, The Blue and Gold Marching Machine. He played the trumpet, I played the euphonium. While on an away trip in Daytona, Florida, we wound up hanging out with a group of mutual friends. Des and I talked all night, and remained good friends after. Fast forward 10 years, I live in Tampa, FL and Desmond happens to be working in the area. We caught up over drinks, confessed old feelings and have been inseparable ever since!

’Twas the day before Christmas, and Kiera had planned family photos at Disney Springs in Orlando… or so she thought. Secretly, Des had been conspiring with her best friends KaReem and Raheem to propose on this day for months. Once they arrived at Disney Springs, the plan was to take holiday pictures of the kids in front of the giant Christmas tree in the center of the park. Des was oozing with excitement and anxiety, and as everyone got closer to the tree, Kiera turned to KaReem and Raheem and said “Y’all I’m scared.” Of course they played it off with a confused face and said “why are you scared to take a picture”, and continued towards the tree. After a few family pictures, it was time for Des to pop the question. Kiera hears Desmond say the words “give me that thing I told you to hold on to”, and instantly knows what’s up. He gets the ring from Caleb, the oldest son, who had it safely stashed in his pocket, gets down on one knee and presents the ring to Kiera. The growing crowd begins to cheer and Kiera looks around completely surprised, and already in tears. Desmond confesses his love for Kiera and asks “Will you marry me?” To Kiera’s added surprise, her entire family got to witness this special occasion via FaceTime. For the rest of the day, Kiera couldn’t stop looking at her ring, showing it off to everyone and calling herself a fiancé.