Dad, I met a man in Rome. And he's wonderful and brilliant, and we're getting married.

Best song for this occasion:

For everyone and anyone that had the Space Jam soundtrack,

You're welcome.

Let's cut to the chase.

I've been busy.

BUSY GETTING ENGAAAAAAGED.

- - - - - - - - 

One fine Wednesday evening, Bryan and I were gobbling up little sandwiches and eating little chips. 

He casually mentioned taking a half day that Friday - for us to hang out. That evening, we were going to have dinner with his brother and sister-in-law (they will be mine soon. WEEEE!)

Important details:

• I adore surprises - but I have a horrible tendency to just want to know it before it happens. This is obnoxious, annoying, and horrible for people trying to surprise me. I'm a surprise digger.

• Bryan is kind to me and likes to do 'spontaneous' things for us, because I like spontaneity. But he kind of plans his spontaneous things. It's sweet and thoughtful, so we both pretend he didn't plan anything. 

So, back to the sandwich munching.

I said, (in JEST):  "Are you going to propose or something?"

To which Bryan nonchalantly almost spit his food out and with a horrified look on his face said, "NO. What? NO."

I was startled, he was startled.

SURPRISE DIGGING BEGAN.

From then on, Bryan, my sister and friends shoved me into their giant web of secrecy, lies, and deceit.

But I still colored my hair and did my nails the night before.

Just in case.

When Friday came, he took me to lunch in Hyde Park. We barely talked to each other. It was a gigantic potential engagement elephant in the room that was smothering both of us and making us both awkwardly happy little creeps.

Our riveting conversations were along the lines of,

"This weather is so nice. Wind."

"Ah, yes. Wind. I like french fries."

Lunch. Why are you so happy, Bryan? WHAT ARE YOU KEEPING FROM ME?

I inhaled my lunch. Apparently nervousness only increases my appetite or just makes me vacuum food into my mouth like pugs when you give them kibble.

Understandably, I was both full and uncomfortable after the aforementioned. So, before we could go enjoy some Orange Leaf, we took a romantic detour.

Weaving through the diapers and the deli at Kroger,  we fell more in love with each other through the consumption of the chalky deliciousness of tropical-flavored Tums. Mmm, Tums.

And then we fro-yo'ed.

Obviously, Tums work really quickly. Based on this ten dollar bowl.

So full of foods and love.

Now that I look at this, we both look kind of excited.

Bryan said, "Let's go to the park."

We love going on walks together.

He led me into one of the gardens and told me kind and thoughtful things. He couldn't stop smiling. I couldn't stop smiling.

He got down on one knee, 

and I said,

"I KNEW IT!" (nice)

AND HE ASKED ME TO MARRY HIM

AND I SAID, "IT'S SO PRETTY!"

AND I SAID, "YES!"

AND THEN WE BOTH SAID, "OH MY GOSH, NOW WE CAN BOTH BE NORMAL AGAIN!"

It was happy and wonderful.

Later that evening he surprised me with a dinner with both of our families and close friends - and some more celebrating with a bunch of our friends at one of our favorite taverns in Cincinnati.

Win.

I love him.