We're ENGAGED!!!

Monday 6:30am

Jacksonville, FL

I was sleeping on the couch in my parent's house and I was abruptly woken by Jon who said, "You have 5 minutes to get ready, hurry". I was very groggy and had no idea what was going on. I went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, found my jacket and keys to a car. I had to sneak into dark rooms, searching for my clothes and shoes, trying not to wake everyone else in the house. I really had no idea what time it was, the house was pitch black and I couldn't read the clock.

When we get into the car and he told me that we needed to go to the store. I figured that his plan was to propose, but what did going to the store have anything to do with it? He kept telling me that needed to get a 'Thank You' card for my mom. We stopped at Walmart and he left me out in the car while he went in. When he came back out, he said that we were looking for the large orange globe in the sky. We were headed to the beach for the sunrise.

I wasn't sure if he was headed just to the beach or a specific spot. He pulled into the parking lot at the 6th street entrance, where Hilary and Chris got married 3 years ago. It was a special spot. He made me keep my eyes closed as he walked me out to the beach and then sat me down on the embankment while he drew a heart in the sand with our names in it.

He asked me for my hand and I gave him my right hand, on purpose, then he asked me for my left hand. I thought I was so funny. We walked down closer to the beach and said I could open my eyes. I opened my eyes to see my love, standing on the beach, my favorite spot, telling me that he loved me. I was entranced. I felt so much love for him and desire to be with him forever, it was the best feeling. He knelt down and said,

"Holly Elizabeth Stansbury, will you marry me?"

He tried opening the ring box and he broke it. We laughed. Before he could get the ring on my finger, I said YES, knelt infront of him and kissed him. It was so great. Then he put the ring on my finger and marveled. It is beautiful and made me feel like a princess to have it on my finger. We talked about what it will be like when we get married and took some pictures.

Me patiently keeping my eyes closed.

The newly engaged couple.

The ring.

Pure Elation!

I did it!