Our eyes met several times before we ever spoke to each other. My mom grew up in the neighborhood where Mark used to live, and I remember seeing him outside playing whenever we visited. One day, when I was about to graduate high school, I went to the park with one of my friends. Mark and his friends were playing on the basketball court. I noticed him looking at me. I remember feeling super confident that day and walking up to the gate of the basketball court as he walked over to meet me. We introduced ourselves then and exchanged numbers. We hung out a lot that summer and went on fun dates.
Mark is so romantic and thoughtful. On a perfectly gorgeous day in February, Mark took me for brunch at Marie's, one of our favorite local spots to eat. Afterward, Mark pulled up at the park and we walked to the bridge, like we always do. Nothing felt out of the ordinary until he started giggling in the middle of us talking - Mark does not giggle. I figured whatever was funny must be behind me, so I turned around. My mom and sisters were there with big smiles, and Donique had her camera ready. "What are you guys doing here!?" I remember saying, feeling super nervous. I turned back to Mark who was on one knee! I said "yes"! When he got up, I noticed he was holding a very pretty and dainty engagement ring which he slid onto my finger. It was the sweetest proposal ever.