How we met
Sometime in the year 2000:
In the halls of Marietta High School, Brandon's attention was immediately drawn to the new arrival, Carole, who stood at the end of the hallway, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. Approaching her with a friendly smile, Brandon offered his help, sparking a playful exchange where they referred to each other as "Nobody" and "Somebody." Their banter continued for a week until they finally exchanged their real names, solidifying a bond that would grow into a deep friendship amidst the chaos of high school life.
As the years passed, Brandon and Carole remained the closest of friends, despite the distance that separated them when Brandon moved to Texas for a decade. Despite the miles between them, their bond endured through phone calls, and occasional visits, their connection growing stronger with each passing year. Yet, amidst the laughter and shared memories, there lingered an unspoken longing, a question of "what if" that danced at the edges of their friendship. It wasn't until 19 years later, with lives fully lived and experiences cherished, that they finally found the courage to confront their feelings. Brandon and Carole finally confessed their love for each other, realizing that what they had been searching for all along had been right in front of them. And so, after years of friendship and distance, they embarked on a new journey together, proving that sometimes, the best things in life are worth the wait.
After Brandon and Carole finally decided to be together, they embarked on the exciting yet daunting task of finding a house to call their own. For almost two years, they searched tirelessly, exploring neighborhoods, attending open houses, and envisioning a future where they could build a home together. Amidst their house-hunting adventures, life continued to unfold around them. Maria, their oldest daughter, was accepted into college, her excitement and nerves palpable as she prepared for this new chapter in her life. Meanwhile, Olivia, their youngest daughter, flourished in high school, immersing herself in the vibrant world of marching band. Despite the busyness of their lives, Brandon and Carole made sure to carve out time for family adventures, from exploring museums and escape rooms to embarking on road trips to charming towns like Helen, GA. Each excursion filled their hearts with joy and strengthened the bonds of their growing family, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime.
The Proposal
In a picturesque scene amidst the twinkling lights and festive decorations of Helen, Brandon found the perfect moment to propose to Carole. With the guise of a kid-free weekend escape to the charming town in December to soak in the Christmas spirit, Brandon meticulously orchestrated a surprise that would forever change their lives. While they strolled hand in hand through the quaint streets adorned with holiday cheer, Carole marveled at the beauty of the town, unaware of the magic that awaited her.
As they stood before a towering Christmas tree, its branches adorned with glistening ornaments, Carole marveled at the holiday magic around them. Little did she know, Brandon had orchestrated a gathering of her children, her best friend, and his parents, all hidden behind the festive foliage. With a gentle nudge from Brandon, Carole turned around to capture a photograph of them in front of the magnificent tree. To her astonishment, she found herself facing a line of their loved ones, each holding a part of the "Will you marry me?" sign, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. Overwhelmed with emotion, Carole turned back to Brandon, tears of joy glistening in her eyes, as he dropped to one knee and asked her to be his forever. In that magical moment, amidst the glow of Christmas lights and the warmth of their gathered loved ones, Carole whispered yes, sealing their love in a memory as radiant as the holiday season itself.
