Bryan and I have known each other since high school. We dated briefly then, but it didn’t last too long, but when your a teenager, nothing does!  We remained friends but didn’t see each other often. We both moved on with our lives…dated others…and I even got married in 2007. That marriage didn’t work out, and my sister reunited Bryan and I shortly after my divorce.

We were just friends hanging out for awhile, as I lived in St Louis and it was a long distance relationship. But after almost 6 months of back and forth driving every weekend, we decided to take it to the next level and my daughter and I moved in with him. It was a big step, but he made the transition very comfortable for both of us. He loves my daughter as his own and that’s one reason why I stuck around! That, and because he is the greatest guy ever! A few months later, I got pregnant with our daughter, Kaylee Jo. It was a rough pregnancy and he was there for me from the beginning.

Our daughter was born 7 weeks premature, and during my month long hospital stay he was always there for us. He kept me grounded and sane! Without him, I don’t know what I would have done! On our 2 year anniversary, he took me out on Lake Springfield and rented a pontoon boat that he lined with pink roses. He had a cooler with a selection of beverages and some fruit and sandwiches…even champagne!! After pouring the champagne into a red solo cup, he told me that over the last 10 years since high school, I was the one that his mind always wandered to. He  always wondered what I was doing in my life and how I was, secretly wishing it would have worked out. He told me that we have a fantastic relationship and so much understanding between us, and that he’s never been happier. Then, in the middle of Lake Springfield, he got on one knee with a beautiful ring from Denney Jewelers and proposed!!!!

Of course, I said YES!!!!!