On September 20, 2019 (yes I remember the date) my friend Darrlynn called me while I was finishing lunch and mentioned that I should meet her friend Joe. After sharing his favorable qualities, sending me his picture, and reminding me that Houston was a city I was interested in, I agreed for her to give him my number. Moments later he sent me a text which transitioned to FaceTime after work. Collectively we talked for 13 hours on day one.

For my birthday, Joe planned a surprise trip. The only detail I was aware of was “we’re going somewhere with water.” Upon receiving my boarding pass, I learned that we were heading to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The day of my birthday was a fun relaxing day at the pool and spa. En route to my birthday dinner, Joe instructed me to wear a blindfold because our next location was a surprise. When we arrived and I was free to see, I was surprised by a host of friends and a fabulous dinner. Some of them I had not seen as a result of the pandemic so I was thrilled and thought this was my birthday gift. As the night progressed, Joe presented me with a magnum size bottle of Flora Springs Cabernet Sauvignon and instructed me to read the back label. When I turned it to the front, the inscription read “Congratulations Maxine and Joseph on your engagement” then he dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him to which. I replied “yes, of course!”