First off, I just want you to know that Daniel has promised to write about his journey back to Texas after he graduated for combat medic school.
One day in February Daniel asked me if I was doing anything on Thursday. Once I assured him I didn't have any plans he said, "Good, do you want to go on a date?"
And why wouldn't I want to go on a date with this handsome man, who had stolen my heart and moved back to Texas to be close to me while I finished my training?! It was set, Thursday, February 11, 2010, Daniel and I were going on a "date."
Megan, a friend of mine from the branch, had asked to borrow my van for the night. I saw no problem with it since Daniel said he was going to pick me up for our "date." She took the van, and I was left in my barracks room waiting for my prince charming to come steal me away for the night. I showered, put on my favorite out fit, curled my hair, fixed my make-up, paced my room, sprayed perfume, paced my room, checked my hair, paced my room... yeah, I wasn't nervous at all. Finally there was a knock on the door. In a hurry I grabbed my jacket and my purse and opened the door. Daniel was standing there with a red rose! He told me I looked beautiful, grabbed my hand and we headed down the hall and out the door. Once in the car we left post and he drove to a favorite place of ours.
This is the Chinese Teas Gardens. These pictures were taken on a different day, but you can see how enchanting it is!
We took a walk around the gardens and up the hill. This is the view from the top of the hill, such a pretty sight over looking the gardens and the view of the city in the background. When Daniel took me it was sunset, perfect timing to be looking out over this beautiful landscape. We looked out and talked a bit, about what I can't recall. Then Daniel pulled a box out of his pocket, got down on his knee, and asked me to be his wife. I was so excited I hugged him and it took me a minute to remember I needed to say, "YES!" He slid the beautiful ring on my finger and we stood there enjoying the moment.
We took our time walking down the hill and back through the gardens. Then we drove around town and took the leisurely way back to his apartment. When we pulled up I was a little surprised to see my van there, after all, Megan had taken it for the evening. He unlocked the door and pleasant aroma filled the air. We walked in and found Megan hiding in the closet because she thought she had ruined our night by not escaping soon enough. All along Daniel had been texting her directions on what to do for the romantic dinner he had prepared for us! We didn't mind finding her there, she made an excelent photographer to capture the moment!
Daniel had set the table using a bed sheet for the table cloth, and had two red place mats with a vase in the middle for my rose. On the menu was tomato soup, followed by a delicious chicken casserole he had made all by himself! I was very impressed with his plan, and his cooking! I couldn't wait to be the Mrs. Matthews!
