The Proposal

Imagine envisioning "the perfect" proposal, but always feeling like it was too far out of reach and believing it could never happen to you.

but God...

It always amazes me how good God is and his faithfulness towards me. Two things that were non-negotiable for me:

1. my moms blessing

2. my family present to celebrate with me

To my delight I received both.

What started off as a "surprise" valentines date turned into so much more. Rey told me he had made reservations at a restaurant in town. He told me to not ask questions and to just come straight from work to his place to get ready because he didn't want us to be late.

I obliged and Friday, February 10, 2023 rolled around.

I was exhausted from work and not in the mood for anything. He graciously and lovingly kept inching me to get ready because we couldn't be "late" for dinner. Every 5 minutes I kept breaking down and crying because of my day at work and I kept fighting him because I wanted to just go to sleep.

At 6:45pm we finally left. I pestered him so he could tell me where we were going. He just kept telling me, "just go with it. It's a surprise." Rey knows I hate surprises. My personality is of someone who needs to be in the know and hates when I can't control something. That night I had neither knowledge nor control.

I of course, was freaking out and kept wanting to cry. In hind sight, I realize as an empath I was subconsciously feeling everyone's emotions. While I was not with my family, it wouldn't be long before I was. We pulled up to Dead Fish and I was not happy.

Its a gorgeous restaurant that overlooks the lake with a beautiful sunset.

I'm not sure why I didn't like it, other than I was just being bratty, but that night I did not want to be there.

Me: Rey Hernandez I know you DID NOT make reservations here...

Rey: Trust me.

We got out of the car and didn't head toward the main building but began veering off toward the side room. I asked "where are we going?"

Rey: Just Trust Me.

Me: Rey...

Rey: Trust Me. please put on this blind fold.

The steady stream of tears started. In that moment I pieced the big picture together.

As we entered the room I quickly froze and awkwardly began scanning the room for any noise to know who else was with us. All I could hear where clicks from a camera, whom I'd later realize was our photographer and in the background all I heard was our song on the speakers, Jason Aldean "You Make it Easy"

He told me to pull off my blindfold. At the end of the dock was a big marquee that read "MARRY ME," and he was on a knee.

As I walked toward him all I could think was how this was everything I dreamed of but always to afraid to pray because I didn't think it would happen.

The next part is still a blur:

I remember giving him my wrong hand because I was so nervous.

I remember laughing and kissing him.

I remember a lot of cheering from behind the some doors. and people yelling, "she said yes!"

I remember asking him, "babe did I say yes?"

He, kissed me and said, "yes baby, you said yes."

The photographer continued to take pictures and I just kept hugging him because I wanted that moment to last forever.

I looked at him and asked, "does my family know?" He smiled, and said, "they're here."

My sister Liz came running from the glass door and hugged me. I was in shock.

After more pictures and tears we finally collected my flowers and headed around the corner. My family was standing and cheering. There were balloons, there was cake, and the people I loved the most in this world were all in the same space.

The rest of the night we laughed and talked about logistics, if I had a clue, we prayed, we cried, and shared in one of the best nights of my life.

I've spent so much of my life working and wanting to desperately be "good enough" to love. Working and trying to be "perfect." to ensure I was always "presentable." It's a lot of work and it's demanding. One thing I've always loved about Rey is how he makes it easy for me to let my guard down. I don't have to keep it together. I don't have to be my perfect self. He's saw me at my worst, when I told him "I want nothing serious with anyone ever again don't waste your time trying to build a home where there's only a vacant house." Rey's love never waives, is always so unconditional toward me. His love has been milk and honey. He's healed wounds he's not responsible for, and his love has been sweet.

As far as the proposal goes, did I have a clue? There were moments where I felt like it was going to happen, but then something would throw me off and I was sure it wouldn't be so early.

Overall, God has a way of using people to remind us of his goodness. Who are a reflection of his love and for me it's my Rey-bear. I love you with every passing day and I never get tired of thanking God for your life.

To everyone who is still in the waiting, my best piece of advice is give the guy a chance, what's the worst that could happen? He treats you the way you deserve to be treated?

With Love,

Caro G