I spent a lot of time thinking how I was going to propose. One of the main challenges was how would I pull it off without her suspecting because everything is so obvious these days.  After I decided on a ring, took some time, I solicited help from two of LT’s closest friends…Akilah and Deborah and swore them to secrecy.  Of course I was worried that they would spill the beans...  Before all of that, I was in Orlando in December and we had lunch with her parents after church.  I had to be slick about asking them for LaTonya’s hand in marriage because she was being nosey.  I remember the first thing out of Mr. Johnson’s mouth was “Thank You, Jesus”.  He and Mrs. Johnson told me yes.  LaTaria was sitting in the back seat smiling.  They welcomed me to the family and I said that it’s not happening within a week or two, I just want to get the ok in person while I’m down here.  I reached out to Akilah to let her know when I had found a ring told her that I would let her know when I had purchased it.  When I did purchase the ring, I sent Akilah and Deborah an email letting them know that it was on but had no idea of how to make it happen without being found out.  After receiving great ideas from Deborah and Akilah, the timing wasn’t working with us.  Akilah mentioned I should take her back to the place where we first met (Brio Tuscan Grill).  Another great idea.  I was headed down to Orlando on Friday, March 13 and I called ahead to let the restaurant know the situation.  I explained how we first met there at Brio's and how long we’ve dated and that I was planning to propose.  The host said that she would put it in the notes for the staff.  On Friday when LT came to pick me up from the airport, I told her that I had a lunch meeting with a guy from the Citrus Bowl, she said ok. I asked if she would mind waiting with me because it wouldn’t take long.  She said ok.  She ordered calamari and a Caesar salad, I had my usual (Pasta Fra Diavolo w/chicken).  We talked about a few things and what was going on the weekend.  LT had gotten up to go to the restroom and the server asked me how I wanted to propose.  She said that she could have the chef  place the ring on the dessert tray and bring it out that way. I said, that works for me.  Then she asked for the ring. I was cautious at first because it took a minute to get it and I didn’t want her to lose it. LOL.  I gave it to her and approved of it and she took it to the back.  When LT came back to the table we chatted a little bit more and I told her that my meeting was canceled because the guy couldn’t make it because of traffic.  She said ok, we will have to leave because she had to pick  her niece up from school.  I said ok, let me run to the restroom.  I met the server near the restroom and we decided that when I come out of the restroom, I would go one way to the table and she would go the opposite way to the table with the ring on the dessert tray.  It happened on cue.  When I got back to the table, our server arrived with the dessert tray, ring in the middle and I got down on one knee.  LT didn’t see the ring at first and her initial thought was “I don’t want any dessert”.  She did a double take and saw the ring and was in shock. Obviously, she said yes.  I’m glad it was able to come together as smoothly as it did.  It was a blessing!  I thank everyone that had a hand in making it happen!!

The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Psalms 126:3