This is my side of the story (Paul) it might not be as magical as Meli remembers but it was a pretty great way to see the events unfold.

Before anyone gets married, they usually get engaged then before that they date.

We had been on multiple dates and had a lot of fun hanging out and learning about each other. Meli was obsessed with getting a fire pit for the patio at the apartment, and I figured I would help her out. I went to one of those big chain garden stores and found a pretty nice one, and it had a grill grate on it which would be great for some outside grilling.

When I surprised Meli with it she was so excited to start cooking and wanted me to come over and have some hamburgers on the grill. Well, the date was set, and I showed up ready to eat, but first I had to cook. I get us a fire going and start cooking everything, but mother nature had other plans for us that day. It started pouring rain and put out the fire I had worked so hard on starting.

We had to finish cooking everything on a skillet in the tiny kitchen, and I saw an opportunity. I dropped to one knee and pulled out a ring-pop (candy ring) and asked her to be my girlfriend. She said yes happily!

After what felt like a flash, I knew I could spend my life with her. It was just a couple days after Christmas, and she had just gotten home from seeing family in Mexico. We had one day left with the kids, and we wanted to take them one last time to the night event at the zoo.

We had to go to dinner first, and while sitting there I was telling everyone I didn't feel well. Those who knew what was going on that night suspected nerves.

We got to the zoo and headed straight for the scene where I wanted to propose. We were standing in front of the lantern, and I had no room to kneel down. So, in an attempt to get everyone to move forward I started waving my hands. Thaddeus (one of my boys) was in the mood to dance, and mid spin fell. I saw my moment and knelt down to help him up and be in position to ask Meli to marry me.

She turned and just stared at me unable to process what was happening in the moment. I can still see her eyes, and smile when I think about it. I am assuming, but I am sure she was happy when she said yes!

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