Stacie's Version:

In true pandemic fashion, yoga pants and a sweatshirt were the typical attire for a lazy Saturday. Michael returned home from picking Maddie up at a masked birthday party. In his hands a small box. He said it was an early anniversary gift - our three year anniversary, just a few days away.

At first, I was a bit peeved. "Do we do anniversary gifts?" I exclaimed.

Inside, I saw the edge of a puzzle. A man after my own heart. Shoot, I can now tell this is going to be sentimental and I literally have nothing to give in return.

A moment of panic overtook me as I started racking my brain for what I could pull off in a few days with all the stores closed on Easter Sunday. The kids on the other hand, had a different interest. We all gathered around the coffee table for a hobby we had gained a greater appreciation for in those early days of the pandemic.

"I have an edge piece" Evan said.

"Here's another one of dad's foreheads" joked Maddie.

As the pieces came together the images captured many of our dates throughout the first two years of our relationship. The two of us laughing at Tina Fey on our first date. The first time I took him to the Lily Pond, my favorite hideaway in the city. Our first New Year's Eve together. Something however seemed off. We were running out of pieces for the remaining space that still needed to be filled.

A bead of sweat was forming above my brow as I tried to smile through how awkward it was going to be when this gift came up a bit short. I assumed he didn't count the pieces before he gave it to me. Puzzles are not exactly Michael's thing.

Slightly embarrassed by the situation, I figured we would all have a great laugh that the internet over promised and under delivered this custom masterpiece. After all, it's the thought that counts.

A sense of relief came over me that I didn't need to try to top this gift - just get something with all the parts and pieces and I was already ahead of the game! He must have sensed my change in demeaner and said, oh wait I have a few more pieces in my pocket.

It's important to note, I pride myself on being a great puzzler. That said, the center of the puzzle had all white edges and it took me and the kids an unnatural amount of time as we fumbled through which pieces clicked together.

Words started to form in the center, "Stacie will you marry me?" I read aloud. Before I could process the words, Michael was on one knee next to me with a much smaller box in hand.

He asked. I said yes.

Michael's Version:

I asked. She said yes.

M&S

Wedding Day

6:00 PM

Ceremony

7:00 PM

Reception