The Wedding is ON!

Brittany and I started traveling together for work, usually a week or more at a time. As the trips increased, we began to understand and know the other person so well; we could easily order meals for the other. It also becomes apparent that we were excellent tourists and found adventures at every turn. We visited fancy night clubs in L.A., hung out in honky-tonk bars in Alabama, walked the "Smallest City Block in the World" (this is a real thing), and, most importantly, developed our addiction to Mastro's Steakhouses' (This is a little foreshadowing). It was no surprise to me that the best part of these trips was the one-on-one conversations and being able to be myself around my new friend. Brittany's work ethic landed her a new role in starting a new department within the company. My travel buddy was gone, and now the best part of my trips was coming back into the office on Monday because I would see Brittany. As time passed, I could not stop thinking about the possibility of Brittany being more than a friend. As I saw it, the outcomes were simple: either complete and utter awkwardness and embarrassment or having the chance to build on a relationship that could be EPIC! Well, you can't spell Driskell without RISK.. .so, I decided I had to know. I mapped out the perfect scenario for telling Brittany how I felt. I was to pick her up from the airport after a long California business trip, and casually ask if she wanted to get some dinner. Genius. Was I playing on the fact that she was exhausted, drained, had jet lag, and hungry... ABSOLUTELY! (had to stack the deck somehow in my favor) After a little courage juice from the "Colorado Rockies," I asked her on an official date for the next day. Little did she know on that Friday night, there would be one more significant "yes" between us.

Once again, pure brilliance had entered my head. I had the ring in my possession for over three months without a sole knowing. Note to self: holding onto a ring for that long will drive you insanely crazy. I once again mapped out the perfect scenario for "popping the question." I used the old "business trip" scheme again, just like when I asked her on a date for the first time. We heard that our favorite restaurant just opened a new location in Ft. Lauderdale. The entire plan really fell into place nicely. I asked Brittany if she would like to have a relaxing weekend in Ft. Lauderdale after her business trip. I even stressed, "Why don't you pack for the entire weekend, and we will leave straight from Tampa airport when I pick you up." I didn't think she would go for the plan, but. I was mistaken. She said, "let's do it." Now, this next part may seem like I am fibbing, but it's entirely true. Once we decided to go, Brittany said to me, "Hey, maybe we should get a reservation at Mastro's." Before I could say, "sure" she had them on the phone and made our RESERVATION. I had to dial down my enthusiasm, but this was one of those Christmas miracles in March. I couldn't believe it. Everything was in place for our 4th Mastro's visit to become our most memorable one. As Brittany was getting ready, I left the hotel room. I called both Brittany's mom and brother, Brandon, to let them know my intentions after dinner. They were the only two people that knew. I was too scared to tell anyone else in fear of a verbal breach that would ruin the surprise. Dinner could not end fast enough. For those of you who know me, I eat very slow. NOT THIS TIME. Our server cleared the table and said he would be back to show us the dessert tray. Now was my chance. The sun was setting, the stars were out, I got down on one knee, opened the box (I bought a special box that once opened had an LED light shine on the ring), and asked, "Brittany Nicole Reagan will you marry me?"