Our paths converged through the magic of friendship. It was at a lively brunch at Fireproof that our worlds collided. Surrounded by mutual friends, laughter, and mimosas, we first caught each other's eye. Our journey continued with dinner with friends at Galla Park, where conversation flowed as effortlessly as the wine. As we shared stories and dreams, we realized there was a deeper connection waiting to be explored. The night ended on a high note at Axis Nightclub, where we lost ourselves in the music and each other's company. Malcolm walked Tameka to her car, leaving on hugs and goodbyes, but wishing for so much more. Our friendship deepened and strengthened by shared experiences and mutual support. Our friends, ever the matchmakers, saw the undeniable chemistry between us. It was on a trip to Chicago, surrounded by familiar faces, that our connection evolved into a deeper curiosity. Tameka had envisioned a lively Umbrella Academy watch party, but as the clock ticked closer to the show's start, the only guest to arrive was Malcolm. A surprising shift occurred as the evening unfolded. With just the two of them, a unique intimacy grew. In the shared world of the Hargreeves, Tameka found herself falling deeper for Malcolm. It's a love story of friendship, one unforgettable night at a time.

Hi! Malcolm here. The story's quite long so I'll have to break this up into two parts. The Ring: I made an appointment at Clean Origin, a jeweler in Easton and asked two of our best friends, Mykaila and Chelsea, to help me choose the ring. On the day of the appointment came a few unforeseen circumstances that required enlisting more help. Her sister, Stephanie, was staying with us, so I showed her the ring design and told her I planned to pick it out that day and about the rest of my plan for the proposal. Tameka, ever the brilliant planner, had the grand idea of inviting her mom and sister over to all go to Easton to shop around... at the same time as my appointment to go ring shopping. I quickly texted my friend Charles and told him, "if Tameka asks, I'm coming over to 'fix his Xbox'." I told her I'd meet her at Easton after I finished helping Charles out. With my cover complete, I waited for them to leave first and hopefully arrive already, then I made my way to Easton as well. My friends were there already and so we got to work, looking around and searching for what felt right. The salesman mentioned that they did not have the design I wanted in store but that there were similar sets available. My friends and I checked them all out and eventually found the one that I felt Tameka would absolutely love. Shortly thereafter, Mykaila tells us that Tameka and her family were about to walk right past us. The girls body-blocked me while I finalized the payment and pickup details and all was well. After saying bye to my friends, I called Tameka, told her I had 'made it to Easton,' and met up with her and her family at Shake Shack as if nothing had ever happened. The Proposal: I had picked up the ring a couple days before our special day and it was perfect! On the day of the proposal, my family was in town and we were having a "Family and Friends" party at our house. For the party, I was in charge of grilling everything, and as more and more people came, I got increasingly anxious for what was to come. The plan was as follows: after finishing all the grilling and eating, we were to rally everyone into the living room for some karaoke, since Tameka and her family love karaoke and my family had never done it. I had given Stephanie a special cue for the song Amazing by Rex Orange County that I would sing to her after a few other songs anyone would like to sing. I told most of the guys what was happening and what I was feeling and they reassured me that everything was going fine and that this was a fantastic proposal party. It was now time, we gathered everyone up, some easier to convince than others... (Tameka said we were ruining the vibe by moving to karaoke.... If only she knew). I gave my friend Charles a cue for when I started singing, for him to record and say, "Let me record this because Malcolm never sings," so that Tameka wouldn't know what was happening. Everyone was singing and having a great time and then it was my turn to go. I chose my song and announced that I was serenading Tameka, and pulled her to stand in front of me while I sung. I'm singing, we're swaying back and forth, and when the time comes, Stephanie cuts the music. I kneel down on one knee, take the ring out my pocket, and ask the awaited question, "Tameka Lampkin, will you marry me?" P.S. she says Yes!