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For our first date, it was really nice and simple, nothing fancy (not really our thing).

We went to Joe’s Crab Shack and ate to our heart’s content.

If I’m being honest, I might have struggled with a few crab legs!

I think I accidentally cut myself on one, and Derek laughed at me good naturedly.

Mainly though, it was just us hanging out like best friends and cracking jokes.

It was perfect because we never had that “awkward first date” stage.

Derek and I fell right into it.

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As cliche as it is, walks in the park with our fur baby.

We relax for the most part, cuddled on the couch, doing some reading and writing together, me cooking and Derek eating it.

Walks around the neighborhood, relaxing at private beaches.

Anything that just feels therapeutic or allows us to breathe mainly.

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Well, it was under tough circumstances, but a while back we found out we were pregnant, not planned. He was supposed to transfer in a week and then that was going to be the end of the road for us. But he saw the positive pregnancy test, and got himself extended an extra 6 months to make sure he could make every appointment, he kept the fridge stocked full of healthy snacks and food, foot massages, chores constantly done, holding me when I would cry for no reason, watching chick flicks with me even if he couldn’t stand it. He stepped up completely and I had only liked him then but after all that I absolutely just fell head over heels for him and knew this is who I would want to come home to every day for the rest of my life.

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I LOVE TELLING THIS STORY!

Like I said before, Derek and I enjoy the simple things in life so there was no flashy and romantic dinner or rose petals and candles across the house. I was laying on the couch watching tv/playing on my phone, looking a hot mess, I wish I could’ve at least done my nails lol. Anyways, he comes over and kneels down to start kissing on me, he always does this so I didn’t think it strange when he got down on his knees. We’re joking, we’re kissing, we’re being cheesy, the dog is like “please get a room.” He stops and says, “oh hey I forgot to ask you something.” I say “what’s that?” He pulls out the ring and asks for my hand in marriage and my first reaction is “that’s not real” he says “YES IT IS!” Lol and I said yes! And covered him in a million kisses!

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Goofy or playful for sure

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1) that we can make it last and be a good example of what love is supposed to be for our future children.

2)that if we ever hit bumps in the road we learn to turn to God first, then each other, and always ALWAYS learn how to figure things out, because we know it won’t always be a fairy tale happily ever after, but we want to grow stronger together even in trials and tribulations.

3)biggest dream, a beautiful forever home, a couple of kids running rampant, two dogs, because we’ll have one dog and Derek will tell me no but I’ll come home with a second puppy anyway and he’ll love that one just as much. Creating great memories, vacations here and there, and ultimately just being happy.

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Seeing him as I walk down the aisle and realizing that all the challenges and tests the Good Lord brought me through in life was to lead me right here, in this moment, to this man.

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