07.28.21
"I managed to hop on an earlier flight... so I should be there in 35 to 40 minutes." I squealed with joy. long distance: the goodbyes are hard, but the hello's are out of this world. even though I had just seen him the previous week, it didn't change my excitement to see him again. and this time, we would have two whole days together. it was going to be perfect.
I told him we should plan a date and do our own thing once I finished my class Wednesday evening. our date changed three times because somebody (probably me;)) couldn't decide. finally, we agreed upon doing a taco picnic at the harbor. a beautiful harbor north of Dallas, with a lighthouse and boats. we have spent many an evening watching the sunset across the water. it was going to be perfect. we would get there as the weather cooled, the sun was setting over the horizon, and the crowds settled. we arrived and parked as far from the spot as possible. I teased him about it but went along with it - granted the lot was full. we walked by the fountains and I mentioned we should eat here because the greenery by the lighthouse is going to be crowded (I'm socially awkward, and crowds intimidate me). he disagreed and as we began walking to the lighthouse he changed his mind and we sat by the fountain, just talking and enjoying each other's company.
after a few minutes, I wanted food and he decided to head to the lighthouse for dinner. poor guy, had to stop me from picking many spots along the way. we got closer to the greens, where a beautiful picnic was set up: flowers, drinks, a candle, and champagne. he walked straight to it and I told him "we can't crash somebody's picnic. that's just awkward." which he replied, "well, let's see." as we got closer, he turned and said "well maybe it's for us". there was a sweet letter he had written me, and I began shaking. I was confused as what was happening but he stood there beside me. it was super sweet, and a letter I'll keep forever. he then opened a little black box, got down on one knee and and asked: "Genevieve, will you marry me?" I don't remember noticing the ring, the crowd that had gathered (and waited) around us, or even his exact words. tears formed in my eyes. I covered my face in complete shock and stood there freaking out. I obviously said yes, because the cheerleader's (not planned), began cheering "she said yes" and the crowd applauded for us. some of my family came from around the corner and joined in the celebration. he put the ring on my finger and I was in a daze. I don't remember much, but I just knew that the best part of my life was happening. the rest of my life was beginning right now. I was engaged to my very best friend. in all my years, I never could have imagined anything better. the spot. the ring. the man. it is all so perfect.
I can't help but think: he knew what he was doing. through the years of heartache, questions, doubts and so forth, God knew. He was preparing me for something I could have never imagined. He was teaching me love and lost so I would be better able to love. better able to be the woman He has called me to be. and now in just a few short months, I will walk down the aisle and vow my life to my very bestest friend.
"let us love, since that is what our hearts were made for” - St. Therese of Lisieux
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