we're jumping the broom

Southwest Texas State University. Fall 1995. I was a Freshman, Darius was a Junior college transfer. I was walking into Jones Cafeteria and coincidentally Darius was walking out of the cafeteria. He literally stopped me in my tracks and took my breath away. He had a white sleeveless hoodie on that seemed to "glow" angelically. We looked at each other slowly, said "what's up", and continued to walk past each other. I returned to my dorm room and told my roommate "I just saw my husband". 28 years later...here we are!

December 11, 2021. It was the night of our 3rd Annual TMF (Taylor Made Fitness) Fitmas Party. There were different activities going on throughout the house. Some were in the dining room having cocktails and conversation, but most of us were in the garage/gym playing games and singing karaoke. It was during this time of the party Darius rushes in the room and tells everyone to stop what they're doing and give him their attention. I looked at him oh so crazy and irritated, saying to myself, "ugh, excuse you!!....we're in the middle of a game". I noticed his daughter standing in the doorway and came to the conclusion he was having a proud Dad moment and wanted to announce to everyone her recent commitment to Baylor University. Assuming that's what was about to take place, I immediately calmed down and watched him proceed to step out of his comfort zone like never before. The room is now quiet as he had commanded of it. He drops to one knee and opens up a little black box that has a shining light....displaying my beautiful engagement ring. Everyone's screaming and gasping. He's looking down and swallows hard...but no words are coming out of his mouth. I'm looking at him in shock, I'm looking at the ring.....at him....the ring....at him. He finally looks up at me and says......"What You Gone Do?"