We’re Getting Hitched!

I met Dallas in fall of 2013. We both attended Nunez Community College at the time and met each other in passing once or twice. Then, I logon to the dating site that we both just happen to be on and I see a message from him. It was funny and witty just like he is. He asked me out for coffee in Da Parish at PJ’s. I told him I haven’t really been around the area and have no idea where it is. We met at school and I followed him to PJs. Now, having lived in the parish, I laugh because it’s literally two turns. Anyway, when he gets out the truck, there’s is a girl named Shay with him and her daughter Jordan - this threw me way off. Mixed signals to the max! We go inside, he asked what I wanted, I told him thank you but I’ll pay and order for myself. I was uncomfortable to say the least. I was curious and cautious as to what the hell was going on here. He said jokingly he brought them for protection. We order and sit down. Dallas, Shay and I get to talking. She explains she loves PJs and lives with Dallas at his Aunt Bonnie's house. They were friends and she was down on her luck, as we were talking Shay’s child Jordan came up and bit Dallas right on the nose and said, “I’m a piranha.” Shay and I died in laughter so Jordan kept doing it. Dallas was not a fan. I noticed he didn’t get any coffee so I asked him what made him choose PJ’s anyway and he said it’s trendy right now even if I hate coffee. My interest peaked we continued to talk occasionally which led to us dating.

I think 2017 will forever be one of the toughest years on us. We had both gotten in car accidents and got into a bit of a hole because of them. Cherie and her family were going through a lot with Ms. Lizzie's medical recovery and it didn't go as expected either. All in all we were burnt out and needed a break. I decided It's been long enough! After all we had been living together a year and a half dating over two meeting my mom was long over due. Thus we would go to my mom's for Thanksgiving. What I didn't expect was how much I missed them. My mom greeted us with Nick and Josh in tow. They helped us get settled for our time there. We watched movies, played games, even had a fire out back with smores. Grandpa and Grandma came over for Thanksgiving day and everyone was raving over Cherie's fudge - everything just felt perfect. I sat down I told Cherie how much I wanted to move and that I think it would help us get out of our rut. She said, "I don't mind moving but a...across state lines... you're only my boyfriend, how do I know you won't leave me." I literally laughed at her and still find it remarkably funny because I already knew I wanted nothing more to make her my wife one day. Once we got back to Chalmette I hit the internet looking for anything and everything I could apply too and within 3 weeks I found something. Cherie nervously started packing everything in boxes so we could put it in the storage unit and put some stuff at her moms. It was obvious something was wrong. She explained how she's putting a lot of faith in me and I can't let her down. The weight of that reality really settled on me. We went to the outlet to get me new work attire and I couldn't help it I got her a ring. I remember saying to myself I can't have her thinking this is a game. Next thing I know I'm showing her the ring in the car and asking for pointers on asking her mom for her hand …. instead I got a kiss and a lecture about money. Mrs. Lizzie was up to me.

I was in total shock. I couldn't believe he found such a good job so quickly and how fast we were going to be moving. I quickly started packing everything and let everyone know we were moving. Before I could blink we were in Arkansas at Ms. Marty's and we found out how much I really do not like change. However by the end of January 2018 we were settled in our new apartment and I was applying everywhere I could think of. Eventually, I got hired on as a receptionist and in less than 2 years we managed to buy our first house and a new truck in September 2019. Little did we know a pandemic was around the corner and we would both lose our jobs in 2020. I'm not sure how but we actually landed better jobs than we had. Thank you so much Ms. Marty you helped us so much during this time. Now, we are 6 months into 2020 the pandemic isn't gone but its under control and I'm enrolled at ASU for the fall semester. I did put all my eggs in one basket and some people say that's dumb but when your gambling on the one you love there is no other option but to go all in. Now, I can say we were right to move away even if we miss "home" sometimes. The future a funny thing but I can't wait to see where life takes us - as long as I'm with you.