In late July, Matthew began planting seeds. He reached out to our friends Abby and Kyle who had recently gotten engaged and told them he needed their help getting me out to Malibu so he could propose. They devised a plan, and Abby reached out, asking me to save the date for a brunch to celebrate their engagement. Over the following weeks we chatted a few times about the details, which solidified my belief in what was ultimately a plot to surprise me. On the morning of August 13th, Matt and I got dressed up and headed off to brunch. Along the way, Abby called and said they were running late (all part of the plan) and asked if we could stop along the way and kill time so we wouldn't arrive before they did. Matt was driving, and since I had already had coffee in my hand (smart move by him), he said he'd find a place for us to park and walk along the beach until they were ready. He pulled off on a side road and we started walking. What I didn't know, was that Matt had coordinated for both of our families to fly out to LA and be there when he proposed. Although we are both from the midwest, our families had never gotten the chance to meet because of Covid, so this was an incredibly thoughtful touch. In the weeks leading up to the proposal he devised and walked them through "The Plan" which included reservations, a detailed schedule, and even Google Maps screenshots of where they would park and set up on the beach. He coordinated with some of our friends to help get our families situated in Malibu and be there to take photos. Eventually we started walking towards the beach across from the iconic local restaurant, Malibu Seafood. It was at Malibu Seafood, almost 3 years prior, where we first admitted we had feelings for each other and Matt asked me out on our first date (mini-golf and ice cream that same evening). As we approached, we reminisced about the life we had already spent together and what we wanted for the future. And then he dropped to one knee and asked me to be his wife. As we kissed and cried, he turned me around to see that our families had been watching nearby. I'm so grateful that we got to share that moment with them and celebrate together all weekend. It was everything I could have ever dreamed of - and so much more.