We're getting married!

Audrey and I had talked about engagement and I had already asked her parents, Andy and Joyce, for their blessing, so Audrey was on engagement high alert. Her roommates and maid of honor, Ashley, helped me pick out a ring and I set up a date the following Saturday, December 12. I wanted to throw Audrey off of my scent so I planned a double date with our close friends. I had them conveniently cancel hours before the date with a covid-related excuse (how 2020). I thought I had Audrey fooled but she will tell you that the second they canceled she knew that this night was "the night". We braved the 20 degree weather and snow to look at Christmas lights in Denver. Our first plans to visit a Christmas market fell through because the line was too long so we started walking up the 16th street mall. We were very cold and wet by this point and were hoping to find a warm dry table for dinner. Denver was in code red for covid so indoor dining was closed. We saw a sign advertising Vietnamese food. This is Audrey's favorite so we followed. We luckily found a warm, dry table and had the best, warmest Pho I have ever had. This lifted our spirits to brave the cold. We continued walking up the mall looking at the snow and lights and finished at Union Station. We got a beer at the bar and I was so nervous I drank mine way too quickly. I then asked Audrey if she wanted a picture in front of the outdoor tree. I secretly placed my roommate and groomsman Tim with a camera to capture the moment. When the tree was clear of people we shed some layers to not look so puffy and Tim revealed his position. At this point Audrey knew for sure it was happening. I said some kind words, got on one knee, offered the ring and asked her to marry me. She excitedly and quickly said yes of course! She gave me only seconds of "knee time". We shared a sweet moment with plenty of pictures then went back to her place where our friends were waiting with champagne to celebrate. Wahooo!