We're Going to the Chapel
Last week at one our date nights, I turned to Dan and asked him "when did you know you loved me?"
"I don't remember the exact date or year, but I remember the moment. We were out back at Mac's smoking a cigarette and I opened up to you in a way I never did before. I knew then I loved you."
Dan and I have seen each other through break ups, a divorce, death, health scares and even a three month period where we did not speak. He is the person I binge watch TV shows with even virtually: lining up our shows to start at the same time. He is the person I lean on when I have to think something through; the reason and logic that helps me stay grounded and focused. He challenges me to dig deeper and supports me when I want to pivot. He is the first person I call or text with news, and he is my favorite travel partner. With him, there is no need to fill up space with noise; he is the first person to not interrupt when I am in my own world, building characters, writing or figuring out recipes.
He has taught me the value of patience and I have taught him the satisfaction of jumping in feet first. We have both taught each other how to communicate better, and how to let things go. We value each other's independence and have learned how to support one another without smothering each other. He is the first person to say "My life is her happiness and I will do anything to see her smile."
Before anything, Dan is my best friend and has been since December 4th, 2018 when I found him on Linkedin (of all places) and messaged him. We fell in love slowly, and never rushed one another to be together. I might not have always been happy we were dating other people, but I knew in my heart I had to love myself first before I could rush into a love as big and enveloping as Dan's. Today, I'm so grateful that I did.
On December 23rd, Dan asked me to be his wife. In front of four of our best friends. In our favorite restaurant overlooking a 70 foot Christmas Tree in the middle of the village we fell in love in. Our love story started walking the village to get ice cream after my shift. It started singing karaoke and having dinners on Main Street. Our roots are in that village and they will only continue to grow as our relationship does.
Words will never truly encompass how much I love this man and how grateful I am to have a love that is so truly unconditional. What an incredible way to start 2023 and I cannot wait to continue this journey with the person who is my home.
Happy New Year, friends.