After two years of dating, and MANY miles of commuting, I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Makaela. In August of 2022, I decided to take our relationship to the next level- as I was confident that Makaela was the blessing that I’d prayed for and indeed my soulmate. I started by asking her father, Eric Blakeman, for her hand in marriage while we were on a family vacation in Ocean City, MD. After receiving his blessing, I then made my way to her mother, Tia Blakeman, to share my intentions with her daughter and plans for our future. After receiving their support, I consulted with my mom, Sandra Scott, and father, Timothy Scott Sr., and expressed my desire to be Makaela's husband. I purchased the ring ,that Makaela picked out during one of our previous dates, and I locked it away in my desk at work for safe keeping (we were living together at the time, and I knew just how nosey Makaela was). I collaborated with My in-laws, My mom and aunts to plan a memorable proposal. Knowing Makaela's dream proposal included having her nails done and having family and friends present, I chose the perfect setting - the Blakeman's annual Christmas party. The week of the event, things took a turn for the worse... I caught a bug from work and became ill. Makaela advised me to stay home, and not go to the Christmas party. She on the other hand, stayed over her parent's house the day before the event in order to prepare for the event and avoid getting sick. In the meantime, my mom and aunts flew in from Arkansas and later nursed me back to health. I spent the day of the event with my family, while Makaela (unknowingly) helped decorate for her own engagement. She gave me one last call before the event started, and I confirmed that I wasn't coming due to my illness. All along, I was in the backyard preparing to ask for her hand in marriage. Shortly after the party started, Makaela's father called for a Christmas toast outside- leading everyone, including Makaela, to the backyard where a beautiful setup awaited her. Surrounded by red rose petals, candles and a "Marry Me" sign, I stood waiting to ask for her to marry me. Overwhelmed with emotion, Makaela initially ran back inside- she returned a few moments later after our parents encouraged her to do so. As she approached me, with the help of both our mothers. I knelt down and asked her to join me on this journey as my wife. The magical moment was witnessed by our loved ones and also captured on camera, creating a memory to cherish forever.