As many of you know, I, Tim, am not exactly famous for my planning skills. But for this, I became a master strategist. Why? Because Andrea is nearly impossible to surprise. In fact, she’s only been truly surprised once before, thanks to a scheme Jordan (her maid of honor) and I pulled off. So naturally, Jordan was the first person I recruited for this mission. Jordan arranged a “work trip” to Texas, conveniently timed to join the proposal. Knowing Andrea would want her closest people involved, I secretly coordinated Skyler (her best maid) and Jacob (her brother) to do an overnight drive from Albuquerque to Texas. Steven (her brother), Alida(her sister in law), her nieces, and Max (her bridesman) would beam in via FaceTime. Finally, Miguel(her brother) and Jasmine(her bridesmaid), were cast in their roles as “busy at work.” All the pieces were coming together. Then came the weather. Forecasts teased rain all week, but on the morning of the big day, the skies magically cleared. I told Andrea I had a presentation at work and asked her to pick out my outfit, ensuring I’d be dressed in something she loved. While she went with Jordan to “help with work,” I dashed off to collect a MASSIVE bouquet, then hurried back home to meet up with everyone. Together, we headed to the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. We staged everything at the Rose Gardens while Andrea and Jordan grabbed breakfast. That’s when disaster nearly struck. On the way to the gardens, Andrea decided to swing by home to drop off her leftovers, which meant opening the garage where Jacob’s car was parked. Just as she reached for the garage door button, Jordan “accidentally” dropped the food in the drive way. Andrea was shocked and quite upset about her french toast, but it saved the day! Meanwhile, Max and Steven were on FaceTime, waiting in the sun. As Andrea and Jordan strolled through the gardens, snapping photos together, the phones doing FaceTime began overheating and batteries were draining fast. I panicked! I urged Jordan to hurry, but Andrea was blissfully unaware and wandering off the path we needed her to go. Every second felt like a cliffhanger. Finally, they approached. Everyone hid, and I stood in the center of the Rose Garden next to my big bouquet. Andrea turned the corner, saw me… and promptly turned around! Shocked, she whispered to Jordan, “Tim is standing around the corner.” Jordan told her to go to me and the moment was finally here. Andrea walked up. I said some beautiful words that neither of us would remember if I didn't still have them saved in my phone. Then I popped the question. Through tears, Andrea said, “Yeah!” Cheers erupted from strangers watching nearby. After a long embrace, friends and family poured out of hiding. Andrea spun around, wide-eyed, crying, exclaiming, “Is no one where they are supposed to be today?!” Even Steven and the family were still on FaceTime, clinging on with 3% battery. Against all odds, every piece of the plan had held together. Everyone was overjoyed, and I just soaked the moment in. And so, after many close calls, laughter, and one unforgettable surprise, Andrea and I started our journey to our happily ever after. ❤️