While navigating through the global COVID-19 Pandemic and the negative reels of the social unrest in America, I was attempting to plan a fairytale engagement proposal that would catch a royal's attention. Since I knew Erin preferred me in a burgundy suit, I purchased another one from the Macy’s clearance section; The cost was a whopping $49+ tax. The suit color's significance surpassed the superficial motive to impress or boost personal male ego. I recalled Erin's endearment towards the burgundy suit that I wore at a graduate masquerade. Outside of the Life Group bible study that initiated our casual couch conversations, the Graduate dance sparked the romantic interest between us. It seems like the dance was decades ago but falling in love with her has always felt that way. Erin’s princess cut ring was purchased from the same location a month later. Believe it or not, she was accidentally involved in the ring shopping process. Our relationship defied the norms of western tradition. This worked for us. We were two 20-something year old’s who had the faith of children and the stamina of a triathlon runner. In September 2020, my friends and I were planning an elaborative engagement proposal that would hopefully knock Erin off her feet and into my arms. We were going to serenade her with live vocals and instrumentation on a bridge in the Town Center plaza area. This micro-metropolitan scenery was where Erin and I had our first date. Everything within this proposal was supposed to be a time capsule of our fondest memories. Even though time and other resources were dedicated to assuring this night’s perfection, I was reminded that authentic love is not forged in fine clothing, grandiose public displays of affection, but instead, the private place. This space is the road less traveled, but where hidden treasures are waiting to be discovered.

On September 28, 2020, 14 days prior to the original proposal date, I went down on one knee in my bedroom and asked Erin this question, “Will you be the lady in my life (referencing Michael Jackson’s Lady in my Life)? Erin, will you marry me?”. Well, you can already guess her answer to the question based upon the website! She even said “babe, this engagement was sooo us”. I couldn’t happily agree with her even more.

One night, Bryan and I were hanging out at his house. We were having a conversation about our relationship and how much we meant to one another. As we were talking, Bryan said, "I want to propose right now." Now, some back story, I knew Bryan had a ring since I was there when he got it. I was patiently waiting for the time that he had chosen to propose. Back to this night, he started to ask for his keys to get the ring out of his lockbox, while I was encouraging him to go through with his original plan. He got his keys and the ring and walked over to the bed where I was sitting. I was ugly crying at this point. He got down on one knee, told me how much I meant to him and how our relationship has blessed him. Then.... he asked me to be his wife with Michael Jackson's lyrics. He said, "Will you be the lady in my life?" And, I said YES!