Akilah’s Perspective: It started off as a regular Saturday afternoon, or so I thought. March 18, 2023, just another weekend. But looking back, there were little signs here and there that something was up—like how he kept glancing at his watch and nudging me to “hurry up and get ready.” I remember laughing, like, “You’ve known me for how long and you’re rushing me to be on time.” We’d been together almost everyday since that day back in March 2019 when we met. When we made plans to go to Lone Oak Brewery, I thought it was just a date, another of our little weekend outings. I had no idea he had anything up his sleeve. Before getting ready I stopped by Ulta and there they were— Rashanda and Kayla. Now, here’s the thing: I didn’t think much of it. We said our hellos, laughed, chatted for a minute, and then went on our way. Looking back now, I can’t believe I didn’t notice how suspiciously cool they were acting! When we finally reached the brewery, I walked to the outdoor patio and froze. Sitting by the fire pit were faces I knew, all pretending to just “happen” to be there. My brother, sister-in-law, my nephew and framily. I kept asking everyone how they “just happened” to be here. Every last person ignored my questions and waited for the queue that it was about to go down. On one knee he started telling me how much I meant to him, how meeting me that week four years ago changed his life. But just as he got deeper into his speech, his words caught in his throat. His eyes filled with tears, and he had to stop, barely able to get out the words, “Will you marry me?” before the emotions took over. It was perfect! The second I said yes I kissed and hugged him, I could feel the tears welling up even more. I slipped off to the bathroom, and let myself cry happy tears in peace. When I came back out, everyone was waiting, my heart still racing from it all. It was everything I’d ever dreamed of and more. Sherman’s Perspective: I can’t tell you how many times I practiced that speech in the mirror. Six months of planning, searching for the ring with Dara and Tramaine, coordinating with her family and friends—it all led up to this one moment. But even with all the planning, nothing could have prepared me for how nerve-wracking it’d be kneeling there, holding the ring, about to ask the woman I love to marry me. I wanted to propose on March 18, right around the anniversary of when we met, so it felt like coming full circle. First, though, I went to her mom and brother, sat down with them, and asked for their blessing. They were happy—her mom, especially, was so supportive. After that, I just had to figure out how to make it a surprise. The whole drive to Lone Oak Brewery, I kept checking my watch, trying to keep us on schedule without giving myself away. I was sweating, playing it cool, but she could tell something was up. “Why are you rushing me?” she teased, and I just laughed it off, thinking, If only she knew. When we walked up, I could see the confusion in her eyes as she recognized everyone around us. I took her hand and started to talk, but once I looked at her face, everything I’d practiced vanished. My voice cracked, and my heart felt like it was beating out of my chest. I barely managed to ask her to marry me before I felt myself tearing up. When she said yes, it was like a weight lifted. She kissed and hugged me, whispered something, and slipped off to the bathroom. I figured she needed a moment, and honestly, I needed one too. Everyone around us was cheering, clapping—it was pure joy. That day, it felt like we had the world cheering us on, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. It was the beginning of forever for us.