Written by the Mother of the Bride

The night was deep and quiet, the kind of stillness only a new moon could bring. The stars twinkled faintly above, and Pohick Creek flowed gently in the distance, its soft murmurs the only sound in the peaceful Springfield neighborhood. Christopher Nguyễn stood at the familiar front steps of the Ngô family home, his heart pounding in his chest.

For months, he had waited for this moment. Angelie Ngô, the woman who had captured his heart, was more than just his fellow Huynh Trưởng in Thiếu Nhi Thánh Thể (TNTT). She was his confidant, his partner in faith and service, and the one person he couldn’t imagine his future without. They had spent countless hours together guiding the youth of their parish, leading them in prayer, games, and community service. Their connection had grown deeper with each passing day, and now, Christopher knew it was time to take the next step.

A week ago, he had sat nervously in the Ngô family’s living room, asking Angelie’s parents for their blessing. He had prepared for this moment, hoping they would see how deeply he cared for their daughter. When they smiled warmly and gave their blessing with heartfelt words of encouragement, Christopher felt as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He couldn’t wait to share this news with Angelie, but he knew he wanted to make the moment perfect.

Tonight, on a new moon night, with the world wrapped in darkness and only the stars to witness, Christopher stood before the woman he loved, unable to wait any longer. He had walked Angelie home from dinner, just as he had done so many times before, but this time was different. The anticipation had been building all night, and now, as they stood on her doorstep, he couldn’t hold it in any longer.

Angelie looked at him with her usual bright smile, but there was a curious tilt of her head as she sensed something different in his demeanor. The evening air was cool, and she waited, feeling a gentle breeze pass through.

Fill in the blank here what Angelie said before the proposal for example teasing Chris, ” she said softly, “is everything okay? You’ve been quiet tonight.”

He took a deep breath, his heart racing as he reached into his pocket. The small velvet box felt heavy in his hand, but it was a comforting weight—the promise of the future he longed for. He took a step closer to her, his eyes locking with hers, and then, without another word, he slowly knelt on one knee.

Angelie thought Chris was joking and she poked up Chris' nose in surprise. Her eyes filled with emotion as she realized what was happening.

Christopher began, his voice steady but filled with emotion, “I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. We’ve spent so many nights together, working with the youth, praying, and supporting our community. But through all of that, you’ve become more than just my partner in service—you’ve become the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

He opened the box, revealing a simple yet elegant ring that gleamed in the faint starlight. The moment felt surreal, as though time had stopped around them, leaving only the two of them standing together in the stillness of the night.

“I asked your parents for their blessing,” he continued, his voice soft but filled with hope, “and they gave me their love and support. But tonight, I’m asking for yours. Angelie Ngô, will you marry me? Will you be my partner in faith, in love, and life?”

Angelie’s eyes as she looked down at the man kneeling before her. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them under the starry sky. Her heart raced, but at that moment, she knew her answer without hesitation.

“Yes,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “Yes, Christopher, I will marry you.”

With a joyful smile, Christopher slipped the ring onto her finger before standing and pulling her into a tight embrace. The world felt right, and the night, though dark, seemed filled with a warm, glowing light from within them.

As they stood together on the front steps of her home near Pohick Creek, the sound of the gentle stream in the background, they knew that this was only the beginning of their journey together—a journey that would be filled with love, faith, and the promise of a bright future ahead.

And under the new moon sky, they sealed their engagement with a promise to love each other for all the days to come.

By Mom