Danielle

Brian and I have known each other for over 4 years. We started as friends and then became best friends, our relationship started to transition into being more than just friends. We wanted to take things slow because we had both been previously married and didn't want to ruin a great friendship if things didn't work out.  A year ago Brian moved to Topeka due to his job, it made things a bit easier now that we didn't live 2 hours apart. How he proposed was very very sweet! On my birthday 4 Jan, Brian woke me up and gave me a card. The card had a note that told me about the birthday rules. I needed to pack for a two day trip along with a very nice outfit and my make up which should be easily accessible. We were going to meet at the Hanover House for Breakfast at 930 and I should dress comfy. Details would be given as the day went on but I was asked nicely to not ask questions. We went to The Hanover House and had a delicious breakfast. I had been sick for several days and was still not feeling well which made Brian nervous. I took some cold medicine and was ready for whatever he had.  After breakfast Brian gave me another card and told me that I would be on my own until later. The 2nd card had a clue on it. It told me to go to the place we went after breakfast at The Hanover House for our first day date. I knew what he was talking about, Marion Lane Candles. Last Valentine's day we had gone to The Hanover House for breakfast and then Brian had a planned a trip to Marion Lane Candles where we made our own candles and spent time together. He had given me a $50 gift certificate and told me to spend it on whatever I would like or make a candle. When I was done I needed to turn in the certificate and they would have another card waiting for me. While at the Candle store I chatted with the Ladies about how sweet Brian is and how I didn't know what he was up to. I made a couple of candles and picked a few things out. When I turned my receipt in they handed me a gift and another card. The gift made me cry (good tears). Valentines Day I saw a candle you could make that you put little charms into and told Brian I thought that was really neat and something we should do later. He had a heart shaped candle made with some charms in it, sparrows, puzzles pieces, keys.  It was very sweet. The next card said to go to place that does not discriminate against gender and has His and Her in the name. I knew he was talking about the His and Her Day Spa and Salon. When I arrived at the day spa he had a massage, facial, hair cut, and hair style waiting for me. It was so sweet and much needed. When they finished my hair I was given my final card that told me to change into my nice outfit, put make up on and go to Lake Shawnee to "the gazebo" and call Heidi. I knew what gazebo he was talking about. When it was nice out we would run or walk at Lake Shawnee, we spent time at the botanical garden and one of the gazebos we saw we loved. I had told him if we got married I would love to get married here.  I also knew pictures were going to happen because Heidi is a photographer and the wife of one of Brian's highschool friends that lives in town.  When I got there I was sure Brian would be there waiting. He was not. So Heidi and I took several pictures together and then Brian showed up. We took more pictures together and made our way to the gazebo where we took several more. As she was taking pictures Brian got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes and we took more fun pictures. After the pictures Brian said he had more for me. We got into my car and he drove us to Kansas City, to the Chateau Avalon by Legends. He had booked the Mayan Rain Forest room for us. It was amazing! There was champagne, rose petals, chocolate covered strawberries, a two person hot tub, dinner, and a movie! He did such an amazing job and more than I had expected!