Although Eli is convinced I knew it was coming, I can promise you I did not. Of course, I knew it was coming EVENTUALLY. We had survived a global pandemic in a one bedroom apartment together, met each other's families (and work families), and witnessed each other get food poisoning - more than once. There's really no going back from that.

The night before, Eli asked me if I wanted to go on "a long walk up a hill or something." A real planner, this one. So I admit, I was a little suspicious. I suggested we go somewhere to walk around outside, like the botanical garden. It was ungodly hot that day, and I was thinking in the back of my mind that a ring might be coming, but dreading photos with sweat dripping down my face. I waited. And waited. And before I knew it, we were back in the car. That's when I figured it wasn't happening - how could you pass up proposing at the botanical garden? So Eli had planned for us to go to our favorite pizza spot, which was closed when we got there due to renovations. So we went to a new spot that was buzzing with flies and local jabronies. That spot is now closed, I'm assuming because of the aforementioned flies and jabronies. We then went to our favorite arcade bar after a little coaxing from me.

We got home and I have to admit, I was incredibly disappointed. I sulkily started to go up the stairs, and he mumbles, "Erin, wait." I turned around to see him on the ground, and I swear to you that I thought he had fallen and needed help getting up. Nope, he was on one knee and I was truly shocked. I of course jumped him so quickly I didn't give him an answer until after I kissed him a bunch. After he puts the (stunning, perfect, incredible) ring on my finger, he yells, "Hey Denise, she said yes!" My best friend and her fiancé was waiting upstairs with flowers and champagne for the occasion (!!!). Turns out they also set up a camera to capture the whole thing on video. Can you believe?! I got such an amazing full day of things I love with the person I love. And now I get to marry him!

-Erin

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