Better Together

I really don't know where to start and I know how you all feel about extremely long posts but this one might have to be an exception to the rule. Just keep reading, you'll be glad you did! Promise.

So, yesterday was probably the best day ever! Gary came over early to go running. I made him breakfast after and then we both went to work. For lunch, we met up and went to purchase ourselves new running shoes. Yes, we're becomming dedicated runners and even registered recently for a 5K run on the 4th of July! After we both found the perfect pair of running shoes, we both went back to work. I should mention that on Monday evening Gary asked me out for Tuesday. Gary came to pick me up at 7:00. We went to the Grocery to purchase the supplies needed to make tinfoil dinners. Gary and I have wanted to go up the canyon to make tinfoil dinners for months now... so it was really fun to do that with him last night! After the store, we wrapped up the goods and headed up the canyon.

Gary took me to a park called Canyon Glen park, a park we'd been to before together. We gathered all the stuff we had brought (lap top, camera, food, blankets, etc.) and started our short walk into this wooded park. We came to an opening and Gary asked me where we should build our fire. I looked and noticed that the only two firepits within sight both had blazing fires in them. Just as I made this observation, Gary points to the closest fire and says to me, "How bout that fire babe?" I'm not sure how they do it in Kentucky, but around here, if a fire is going and stuff is around, the firepit is TAKEN. I took a second look thinking that maybe for some reason the previous people had just left the fire going, but saw a table with stuff on it and concluded that it was deffinitely in use. I told Gary that around here, we don't do that sort of thing. It's sort of a first come first served sort of deal around these parts. Gary insisted a little further saying that maybe we could share the firepit. Gary continued to walk toward this firepit and I just followed close behind looking frantically for someone that may want to claim the fire we were about to take over.

Once we got close enough for me to see what was actually on the table, I realized that it might be possible that this fire was for US! On the table were two place settings, a lit candle, a bottle of sparkling apple cider on ice, and two dozen roses. SO CUTE, I might add! After I gave Gary some hugs and kisses and told him how cute this was, I asked him if he knew anything about this or how these very familiar plates were able to beat us up the canyon, he attributed it all to the "fire gods" and said nothing more.

We cooked our tinfoil dinners, sat close to the fire, and listened to some of our very favorite music on the lap top while we waited anxiously to see if our food would turn out as well as we hoped. Don't worry, it did! It was delish!





Unfortunately, the "fire gods" never showed up to clean up the stuff that they brought, so Gary and I packed it all in his jeep and drove back down the canyon. Gary and I have set and done very well at keeping a curfew and our bed time had already approached. I thought our fun night was over and that he was taking me home but he proceded right past my house and took me to a favorite spot of ours. In Provo, behind the courthouse, there is this really neat tree. It's the only one like it in the world and even grafting it will not produce the same type of tree for some reason. I showed Gary this unique tree back in February when we had just started spending time together. Since then we've had a few great talks under this tree so it has some sentimental value to us. I'm always excited to see this tree, especially with Gary.

As we got out of the car, Gary grabbed the roses that had appeared mysteriously by the firepit and asked me to bring my lap top. Following a few minutes of dancing to our favorite music, Gary and I sat on top of the picnic table and started talking. I told Gary that I had had so much fun with him (as I do every day), thanked him for such a fun date and told him that I loved him. He asked me what about the day had made it so great. Of course my answer went through every second of my day that was spent with him beginning with our early morning run and continued until we got to the very moment that we found ourselves sitting on a picnic table under our favorite tree. It was at this point of the night that I remember thinking to myself, "I really don't think this day could get any better!" ... Oh, but it does!

Gary grabbed my hand and walked me over to this very specific spot near the trunk of the tree where we have stood and talked before and continued to narrate the events of our fabulous day as he continued to create them. He then proceded to tell me that he loved me and basically thinks I'm wonderful and that he wants to be with me for a long time.

Before I continue, I need to say this...Gary and I have basically never had a conversation about marriage. Ever. You may wonder if I figured out what was going on, but I most certainly did not because this was something we'd never talked about.

After a short moment of silence, Gary then said to me, "Tara, I want you to be my wife." After hearing this, the first thought in my head was, "Oh, how fun! We're finally going to have a discussion about marriage!" Just then, Gary took a step backward, knelt down on one knee, and asked me if I would marry him. It took me a minute to realize that we weren't just having a conversation about marriage, Gary was actually PROPOSING to me! Of course I said "Yes!!" and gave him the biggest hug and now we're engaged! Wasn't that the best proposal ever?!?! It was really cute and COMPLETELY unexpected. Gary did such a great job at making this a fun surprise. It's something I'll remember forever.

As I sit here trying to type through tears, I'm re-living every detail of that fabulous night and can't seem to figure out how I managed to get so lucky! Gary is the most amazing man I know and I'm so lucky to have him as my best friend. I didn't know I could love someone as much as I love him.

So, check back often as I update you with the wedding plans. We're getting married on August 11th and have seven weeks to pull a fabulous wedding together. Did you know that I have absolutely NO clue where to even begin? Any advice and pointers are welcome and BEGGED FOR! Thanks for sharing this special day with me! It was so much fun to tell you all about it!