Book Your Hotel By April 24th!

To begin, I was never the type of person to search for love online. However, my girlfriend found her now husband on a dating app. Against my wishes she made me a profile. I was not thrilled by the idea at all, but while entertaining the idea, I came across a message from a guy named Charles. He was handsome, outgoing and had this realistic charm that made me instantly interested. After a while of messaging back and forth we set up a date on Thursday, October 16, 2014. Our date took place at a delicious steak house called Hackney's in Lake Zurich (sadly, it is no longer there). When I first saw him, I felt the flutter of more than a hundred butterflies in my stomach. Once in the restaurant, we engaged in a meaningful conversation. The experience we shared was like reconnecting with an old friend. By the end of supper, he excused himself to use the restroom. I took advantage of the moment and texted my girlfriend to let her know how the date was going. I expressed how cute and charming he was, and how I felt a special connection with him already. Once back from the restroom, we started to leave. As we walked out of the restaurant, he proceeded to say, "well I guess you think I am cute and charming, huh?" By this time, I am mortified with embarrassment. Instead of texting my girlfriend, like I thought I did; I texted him... He thought it was funny and sweet, but I still could not believe what I accidently did. Though I was embarrassed, he made me feel comforted and safe, which is when I knew that this was beginning of something beautiful.

The the night before my birthday, we were visiting with Charles' family. While at his parents house, his mother asked if I wanted to help her with her horses before I left. Thrilled to be going to the barn, I said yes. Charles on the other hand was worried we would be late to my parents house. After his family's house, the plan was to go celebrate my birthday a day early with my family. Which surprised me a little because he is a very laid back person, so being a little late has never been a worrisome topic. I explained that it was not a big deal and that we would not be late. He replied in a playful manner, "well, I was going to propose to you tonight, but since you are going to be late, I'm not going to anymore". Naturally picking up on his sarcasm, I replied, "Oh yeah, sureeee you were". Charles and I decided to meet back at our apartment before going to my parents house, so we could drive together. Once I got home from the barn and pulled into the parking lot, I called Charles to let him know I was ready to leave. He then explained that he was still not ready and needed me to come into the apartment. I was now concerned about being late to my own party, but listened to him and went upstairs. When I walked into the apartment, I was confused. I didn't see Charles and our dogs were in the spare bedroom with the door shut. Which was very odd because we never lock them up. As I walked farther into our apartment I heard Charles say, "Shelby Mae Davis". At this point I could now see him. He was down on one knee staring up at me when he proceed to say, "will you marry me?" After a moment of being in complete shock, I was finally able to form the words I was looking for, "Yes! of course I will!"