It's official!! We're getting married.

On a summer day in July, Thomas received a text message from Lauren's best friend, KeeKee. Her text was to inquire about his relationship status, which was single. Once KeeKee learned this, she began working her matchmaking magic. KeeKee aka “cupid” began talking both of them up to one another. A photograph was sent to Thomas to reference, and he was beyond excited to get to know Lauren. From that point KeeKee sent both of them each other's phone number. Lauren was anticipating that first text from Thomas...which took way too long, but once the first text message came through there was an instant connection that has not gone away. Both Thomas and Lauren both agreed that they wanted to take things slow but as you can tell that just wasn't in the cards for them.

Lauren and Thomas decided to spend their first Christmas together with Lauren's family in Collinsville, VA. Excited about the holiday weekend, Thomas and Lauren packed their bags and drove the three hrs to the Thompson's family home. Even though Thomas had met Laurens' parents several times, it was obvious that he was trying to make a great impression. Thomas would follow Lauren's mom around the house eagerly volunteering for task as they prepared for the holiday weekend. Thomas managed to find himself alone with Lauren's father while setting up Xmas decorations outside the home. Thomas would seize the moment and ask permission to marry Lauren. Over the next few days Thomas would try and game plan a clever and extravagant proposal. With an ideal in mind, Thomas struggled to find the perfect time to execute the proposal. So Xmas eve and day came and went without a proposal. Although there was no proposal, it was unanimously agreed upon by everyone, that this Xmas holiday weekend was amazing. As they prepared to leave, Lauren's mom prayed over their relationship and safe travel back to Richmond. A teary-eyed Lauren and her mom hugged and said their goodbyes. Both Lauren and her mom got emotional and were on the verge of crying. Thomas had something in his eye, but he was not crying. With their car all packed and warming in the driveway, they walked to their car. After Lauren was helped into the car, it was at that moment Thomas knew there was no better time then the present to propose to the love of his life. He hugged her and told her how much he loved her and that he wanted to marry her. Lauren said she loved him and wanted to marry as well. Lauren would also say she was red-to-go and that she would cry if her mom came out the house before they had left the driveway. Thomas then asked Lauren if she would marry him, but for a second she was unsure if he was for real. See, Thomas was nervous and forgot to present the ring and get on one knee. Despite that Lauren smerked and said yes. Thomas, now composed, reaches across Lauren into the center console and gets the ring that he had wanted to give Lauren since the first, I love you was said. Lauren is no longer sad and after a few kisses, she runs back inside the house to share the moment with OUR FAMILY.