I had just got back to the High Desert from Friendcation in Yosemite area. That plan was to go for an early morning run, dropped off a baked good at the church for VBS volunteers, head home, wash up, pack and head back to Visalia. Ready only to go for a run (little to no make up and work out gear), I pulled up to the church to find they actually needed another adult volunteer. I naturally obliged, but my plans were changed a bit. The run. Out. Shower. Out. Only enough time to quickly pack and head out the door. I called my sister once I was en route to let her know that I was on my way. "That's fine" she said, "just know that we are going to have dinner guests." "Deborah is it at least someone I've met before? Someone who knows I don't normally look homeless?" "Well... it's Marcus?" "Why, Deborah!? Why?" It's fine. I had a 3.5 hour drive to resolve that this was actually better way to meet the man she suggested setting me up with. It will look like I'm not trying to impress him. In fact, maybe this will even make me more comfortable since I literally have nothing to hide behind. Yes. Yes, this is good. He had less time prepare. He heard that the girl he thought was cute on social media was to be joining dinner in about a half hour. Nerves were calmed as conversation flowed effortlessly. I'd like to think I charmed him with my humorous story-telling and interaction with my nephews. I know he wow'd me with his real-time quips and engaging personality. Hours of messaging while he was on vocal rest developed a beautiful friendship. Deb and Gunn continued to support as they set up an informal double date to Hamilton. Seeing him again in person made me more sure I wanted to see him again. Thankfully, soon after, he asked me to go to lunch. Normally you're supposed to do the thing where you wait to respond so you don't seem to anxious. Nope. No chill. I responded excitedly. Jumped in with both feet and I don't think either of us are sorry.

In July, I contacted Blanca (Deanna's mom) to see if it would be possible for her to find a way to get Zeke (Deanna's dad) out on a date in Rancho Cucamonga. I told her that I needed to "ask them a very important question" - to which she responded with much joy! It worked out wonderfully. I was in SoCal visiting some friends during the tail-end of my summer vacation, which Deanna knew I'd be doing. While she was at work, I drove to Rancho from Westminster and dropped in to Zeke and Blanca's date. Zeke had no idea...but when he saw me show up - I could tell he immediately knew what was happening! Sharing my heart with Zeke and Blanca was a moment that I will never forget. I shared of how Deanna has changed my life, how she has continually pointed me to Jesus, and how she has been an answer to prayer. Blanca shared of how she has appreciated how I have treated Deanna, and how I have reminded Deanna so often that she is beautiful. Zeke shared of how he felt confident in my ability to take care of her. They graciously gave me both their permission, and their blessing - and I was absolutely elated!

I headed down to Phelan to pick up Deanna so that we could meet Kevin and Sarah McCarty for a double date at a restaurant in Wrightwood - which is something we had been wanting to do for a while. This made for a great starting point! I picked Deanna up from her parents' place in Phelan, and we made our way up to Wrightwood - only to receive a call from Sarah (with an aggravated Elsie in the background), letting us know that they were running late. She told us that they called the restaurant and pushed the reservation back an hour, so that she can make sure to feed Elsie, get her calmed down, get ready, and make their way out. She suggested that Deanna and I find a nice place to hang out in the meantime. What was REALLY happening: Sarah and some other close friends/family were in Wrightwood at the McCarty house, getting things ready for an engagement party, while Kevin made his way to Inspiration Point - our pre-designated proposal spot - so that he can stage himself to catch some photos of the proposal when it takes place. Deanna was pretty hungry at this point, and was feeling like some coffee - so she suggested a coffee shop in Wrightwood. In effort to not sound too calculated, I agreed to the recommendation, and we kept driving. As we got closer, I asked, "You know...we were just talking about how it's been a while since we've been to Inspiration Point. You want to go there for a bit instead?" She excitingly obliged. #whew When we got there, we gazed out into the horizon, and took a selfie. At that point, I was all in. There were tears. ALL of the tears. And she said YES! After the proposal, we made our way to the McCarty home, where family/close friends were ready to receive us! We celebrated with food, a video that featured our friends/family (near & far), and had a great time recounting the day! I am so grateful for all the help I had in putting this together, and I'm especially grateful to have this wonderful woman as my fiancée!