Always

The first time I saw Lauren was when she was hiding behind a black curtain. We went to church together, but you'd be lucky to get a peek at this 5'2" girl hiding in the back row of the chairs at Wednesday night Bible study. She seemed to make an art form out of avoiding socialization. I saw her, but didn't know how to say anything, or if she wanted anyone to. Months went by with me just stealing small glances at this silly girl in the jiu jitsu gi and Adventure Time backpack. Then one day, she stopped to talk with some people in an on-campus apologetics club I was a part of at the time, Ratio Christi. I saw a chance at conversation and jumped into whatever she was talking about at the time. Eventually, that person left, and we were left talking to each other. The conversation lasted for a whole hour, in which time everything from pug butts to Pokémon orchestras was discussed. She seemed to really want to converse but just didn't often open herself up to it. That conversation gave me enough confidence to try to talk to her more. The following Wednesday after church, we got stuck in a conversation with a few other people, and before we left, I asked for her number. I didn't think much of it, but I later learned how much she was freaking out on the inside! We almost instantly bonded to each other the moment we could talk to each other more freely and regularly. Neither of us was looking for a partner at that time, but just after one week we had strong feelings for each other, and began dating after two–which was absolutely insane to both of us. And while our feelings for each other were and have remained strong, our mutual love and commitment to God is what really made us confident in each other. While we haven't been perfect to each other or even to our God–far from it–I've seen how reliable, loving, and respectful Lauren is and desires to be, and hope to be just as loving to her as well. We are so truly excited to begin this unknown but beautiful time in our life, and we are blessed that you are planning on joining us in starting the rest of our lives! God bless - Neal

When I woke up on Friday morning, I had no thoughts of getting engaged. The only thought on my mind was surviving the bumpy, cramped, sweaty joy ride my brothers and I had embarked on in our quest for Chick-fil-A at the Alexandria mall. As I clutched whatever handholds I could find, I tried to disassociate, dreaming of the good conversation with an old friend and the taste of the Lord’s chicken on my lips that was to come. By God’s grace, we arrived safely, and for a brief time, I relaxed, savoring each moment on the ground and each waffle fry. Unfortunately, far too soon, it was time to leave–and Jimmy had an idea. Out of seemingly nowhere, he informed me that Dad had instructed us to take Alex to the park. While this normally would have made sense, I knew that Neal was coming to visit in a few hours and Jimmy had planned a sleepover for later that night, and we needed time to clean the house. Even more perplexing was Jimmy’s insistence that we go to a very specific park: Compton Park, a beautiful, hilly space where Neal and I had once rondevoused after a long summer apart. On the way, Jimmy took a wrong turn. Though I am notoriously bad at both understanding and giving directions, I knew this time I had been clear. Then, instead of turning around, Jimmy further detoured us by driving to get a sweet treat at his favorite milkshake shop. I took each development in stride, chalking it all up to my brother’s silliness and spontaneity. I couldn’t have been more oblivious, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. All week, Neal had convinced me “the ring” had been delayed; it wouldn’t come in until after he left for Tennessee. I had been disappointed but didn’t want to show it. I loved him more than the ring, and I trusted that his promise would be kept in its own time. As a result, I suspected nothing as Jimmy walked me into Compton Park, ensuring my focus was diverted from Neal’s truck in the background. As we approached the playground, he shooed Alex away to play and pulled me aside. “I need to talk to you about something serious,” he said gravely. Anyone who knows my brother will understand the gravity of that statement coming from him. He began pulling me away from where Alex was playing, and as we walked farther and farther, I began to protest, anxiety running rampant as I imagined Alex being snatched away or getting himself hurt by his own shenanigans. Somehow, Jimmy convinced me to keep walking. After a time, he took out his phone and uttered words I won’t soon forget: “Hey, my friend told me about this weird thing. I need you to check something up on that hill.” Still unquestioning, I left him behind as I climbed the hill. Suddenly, as if descending from the Heavens, I crested the hill to find Neal surrounded by a ring of flowers on the ground. Before I could process what was now happening and how it connected to everything that had happened so far, he got down on one knee. “Lauren Nicole Shepherd… Will you marry me?” And there, despite all the questions, I answered with certainty. “Yes.” -Lauren Shepherd