Darci had been placed in a supper club through Northwest Bible Church with Jim and Linda. As the group got to know each other, Jim had stated although he was retired he kept very busy doing handyman work. Darci had Jim over to do some projects at her home, fix cabinets, running toliet, and put up crown molding in her master bathroom. Jim brought Darren with him to help with the crown molding. Darci and Darren got to know each other briefly. After the project was done, Darci friended Darren through Facebook and Darren reached back out and by the end of the week had their first date planned. After two months of dating they both knew this was the real deal! Darren quickly got a great reputation at Darci's work for his well planned unique dates. (painting with a twist, bowling, Pocket Sandwich theatre, and black light mini golf) Final test was for Darren to meet Darci's daughter, Claire. He passed with flying colors and they have such a sweet relationship.

ENGAGEMENT On December 14th Darren picked Darci up for their date. He took her to Season's 52 for dinner, where they had their first date. After the date he had planned for them to look at Christmas lights on a horse drawn carriage in Highland Park. Again, he had planned for all the details, listening to Christmas music on his bluetooth speaker, blankets to keep warm, wine and snacks and champagne to celebrate later ;) Half way through the ride "the horse needed his harness checked" Darren and Darci got out of the cinderella carriage. Darren got on one knee and told Darci how much he loved her and Claire and could not imagine his life without them and asked her to marry him. Through the happiest tears she said YES!! They enjoyed the rest of the carriage ride giddy talking about their future. Once home they called their parents to tell them the great news. The next morning Darren arrived at Darci's house to take her and Claire to church. Darren and Darci sat Claire down to tell her that Darren had asked her mommy to marry him and that our family would be growing! Claire was thrilled! (She was more excited when they explained that Jim and Linda would get to be her grandparents as well!!) They celebrated with donuts before church.