I thought about it for a bit before giving her an answer. I have had a lot of rejection in my young life the last couple months and it was wearing on me. And I didnt know you very well. I had lost most of my friends and felt completely alone... which is why Whitney was trying to hard to get me to go on this date. "Fine." I answered her. "But this is my last try. If this doesnt work I'm staying home."
I called the number listed for you in the ward directory and was instantly shot down when it said it was disconnected. Next thing I knew Whitney had given me your cell phone number. I had so many butterflies. This was so out of my comfort zone. I stuttered through my words as I asked you to go on this date with me. And instead of coming up with an excuse or flat out saying no, you promptly said "sure. Sounds fun!"
I nearly exploded. With excitement. With terror. I dont know. Something was going right in my life. For the first time in what felt like a very long time.
The next day getting ready for the date I put on my new Christmas outfit I swore I would never wear. It wasn't my style. Too "out there" for a girl who did her best to fly under the radar and not be noticed. But I put it on anyway. And my sister did my hair. That day I didnt hide out in my room like I usually would, I was excited! I played just dance and rockband with my family. And did my best to fight off the butterflies. You were graduated. For some reason that scared me and made you feel so much older and mature than me.
We picked you up. And I was more awkward then ever. Over thinking everything. I had been crushing on you for years! This could be my one and only chance to actually get to know you better! I didnt want to do anything to mess this up!
I made small talk and slowly got a little more comfortable and relaxed. I had a fight with my best friend that morning and she had told me she didnt want to see me at the dance. She didnt want me to ruin her day again. Little did she know I would be here. Having way more fun with you. And for a night, I didnt care anymore! Adalinn could say whatever she wanted, I didnt care. I was happy?
We prank called Whitney on the front runner. Nothing went as planned for dinner but we made it work. Harmons deli it is. I got chicken tenders you got salmon. You offered to pay and I let you. Actually I was very grateful you did. I didnt have hardly any money! Anf would have spent everything I had on that date if I paid for dinner. We were the only ones who got hot chocolate at the cafe inside Harmons. We walked around temple square making jokes about zombies and hiding from them in the temple because they dont have reccomend. We raced to be in the front of our group at all times. And for the first time in forever I felt ok. I was comfortable in my own skin on a date with the cutest guy I knew and actually genuinely being myself. It was great!
We went to the dance and everyone broke off and did their own thing. You found some of your friends and I found mine. You came back to me for the last slow dance of the night. And when midnight struck all I knew is I was starting 2013 happy.
I had no idea then friendship that would begin to grow from this date. I had no idea 2 weeks later you would text me because you were "just thinking about you". No idea the walking dead nights, ghost hunting nights, or nerf gun wars that would follow in the next couple months. And absolutely no idea in would fall in love with you. And unofficially wait for you through your mission. Writing and sending packages the whole time. Emailing you every week. Who knew I would be at the airport waiting for you when you came home 2 years later? All the growing up I had done while you were gone, knowing we were meant to be together but not telling anyone because they would all think I was crazy. All the excitement that had built up for your return. All the anxiety that would come with your transition back into regular home life. All the tears when you didnt want to hang out with me all the time. I would kick myself everytime we hung out and I would get too scared to kiss you. And on my birthday you told me "you dont ever have to be afraid to kiss me" and from that day on you always got a good night kiss.
The couch snuggles at your parents. The jerking awake because I got comfortable enough to fall asleep in your arms but knew my dad would flip if I wasn't home by midnight... ending up strolling through the door at 2 or 3am anyway.
Who knew the good times we would have together. As well as the struggles. Who knew we would get married, buy houses together and build our life! Who knew we would do foster care together in a hope to make life better for some children.
Life sure has brought a lot of change in these 7 short years. And I am so glad to have you by my side through eternity! Thanks for saying yes to that date. Thanks for making me comfortable with you so easily. Thanks for pulling me out of a lonely depression. Thanks for saving me. Thanks for being the best husband a crazy girl like me could ask for. I love you!
