Our Story - How We Met
Late one night in 2010 I had heard enough about this Eric guy from one of my friends. "Who is this guy?" I finally asked and my friend gave me Eric's number. We exchanged texts for a few months until the end of July when I was working at the ULTA out in Orland Park, a few blocks down from where Eric worked at Advance Auto. We agreed to finally meet in person and while nothing earth shattering happened that day, I had a feeling this guy would be a part of my life, I just didn't know how big...
Eric and I continued to hang out and get to know each other, but Eric had made it very clear, "I don't want a girlfriend. I'm not looking for a girlfriend. I just want to be friends." And that was fine with me!
Imagine my surprise on November 6 when Eric said "I'd like to see where this goes, do you want to be my girlfriend?" While I never expected him to ask me that, I was glad he did because I had started to develop a little crush on him and also wanted to see where this relationship could go.
The first couple of months were a little plain. We both still continued to do our own thing, with our own families, with weekly Tuesday visits between the time I got off work at 10am and Eric left for work at 1pm. It wasn't until February 2011 when things started to change...
"I don't think I like my girlfriend anymore..." Eric said.
There was silence as I prepared to hear those next words..dreading the worst!
"I LOVE HER!!"
Since then there have been multiple date nights, trips to Chicago, getting lost in the car (a few times..), Holidays with both sides of the family, hugs, kisses, late night talks, celebrations, heartaches... and love, lots and lots of LOVE.
All there was left to do now was get married...
The Engagement
It was May 2, 2014 Friday. After Eric and I had finished chowing down on some delicious salmon patties Eric wanted to go to the store....and I did not...
Eric: "Come on, we need to go to Walmart or Target or something."
Jackie: "For what?"
Eric: "I have to get some things..."
Jackie: "Some things like what?"
Eric: "Screen cleaner to clean my tv...."
Jackie: "You don't need that today."
Eric: "Well mom needs milk and creamer and some other stuff too. Just come on.."
So we take off to the store. I have no idea what surprises lay await when I return to Eric's house.
I walked back into the house thinking I was going to get to lay down and relax after having a long day at work, then working out with Eric at the gym but as I walked in the door I saw my parents sitting on the couch. My head filled with ideas to what this could mean and so I asked them what they were doing here? Mom said "we were invited." I said "yeah but why? It's not a holiday..." Eric responded "They're here because I have something to ask you." I turned around and my heart started to race and said "Okay." Eric got down on one knee and pulled out this beautiful diamond ring and asked "Will you marry me?" I burst into tears and proclaimed "YES!" After that there were many hugs and kisses and congratulations. My dad and Eric's mom had some beautiful words to share about loving each other and how we're meant to be. My dad said something that I particularly remember - He said "I loved her since she was a little girl and held her hand all these years and now Eric it's your turn to take her hand and hold it." I cried again. The day overall was perfect. I'm so glad he proposed to me the way he did, in front of both of our families in a intimate setting.
Turns out Eric had taken my parents out to dinner on Monday Night to ask for their blessing (which he got). Then on Tuesday Eric and his father went to pick out the engagement ring (which couldn't be more perfect by the way). And he told everyone his plan, and showed everyone the ring...everyone but me. I had no idea any of this was ever going on. And that's just the way I like it. I love being surprised. I feel bad I almost ruined his plans by not wanting to go to the store, but I'm glad it worked out and I had no idea what was coming. I remember him telling me he wanted to tell me about it so bad, or hint at what was coming but he didn't and it all turned out wonderful. Wouldn't want it done any other way.
He did a great job! Now let's go get married!!!
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