In Honor of Lover's Day, Continued...

Here's the rest of the story. Enjoy and HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! 

Back in the early stages of true love and romance.

Fri., Oct. 27, 2006: "My date with Brad got canceled [apparently he did ask me out again...] because of scheduling conflicts. But I called him like a half an hour after my date [with another guy] to tell him something and we talked for a little bit and now I can't help but think how much more fun tonight would have been if I had gone with him. I don't have a crush on Brad or anything but he is just so much fun to be around and I can be myself around him..."

Sun., Nov. 5, 2006: "The lamest thing happened on Thursday - Brad asked me out on a date through Facebook. I said yes but I thought it was super lame - but it did make me laugh."

Thurs., Dec. 14, 2006: "Brad asked me out today for Friday but I said I couldn't go. If I really had wanted to, I probably could have canceled my plans but I didn't want to. I've really tried to reconsider my feelings for him but I really don't want to be more than just his friend. I think he's amazing and wonderful and will make someone very happy - but I don't want that someone to be me. Which is actually sad because he's a really good friend and odds are we won't stay friends when one or both of us get married."

Sun., Jan. 14, 2007: "I got a blessing from Dad tonight... it said I need to keep my heart, mind, and eyes open and come to the Lord open and willing to listen. It said that I need to listen A LOT!!"  **What I didn't write down but remember very clearly was that as soon as this blessing ended, I asked my dad if that meant I needed to date Brad... :) Oh how I fought it.

Unfortunately this is where I suddenly stopped writing in my journal. But I do remember that towards the end of January/beginning of February, I invited Brad over one Sunday to hang out with the intention of having an open mind (once again). This time it ended very differently and by the end of the evening I had a big ol' crush on my Bradley.

Also, the Devotional we attended on Tuesday, February 13th made me feel super awkward. It was by Bonnie D. Parkin and she started her talk by saying: "I guess you are wondering why I wore this red jacket. My hope is that it will remind you that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. So, on this day before Valentine’s Day, I’ve been wondering: “How’s your heart?” If your heart hasn’t already been promised to someone, think about doing it. And remember, your mother doesn’t count!" HELLO! I have a big crush on my really good friend. Here we are, the day before Valentine's Day. Sitting next to each other with our arms touching. I like him (FINALLY) and I don't know if he currently likes me. But I can't say anything because I don't want to be cliche and have him think I just want a Valentine.

I do manage to say "we should hang out more" after the devotional is over. He takes the (barely there) hint and asks me out that weekend to watch The Prestige at the dollar theater. About 3/4ths of the way through the movie, he asks to hold my hand (I'll admit that I giggled) (oh, and he had to ask because my hand wasn't on my knee or the arm rest because it hadn't even occurred to me that we might hold hands that night)! Yesssss!!

A week later, we are officially dating and all the "I told you so"'s start rolling in from our mutual friends who knew we should date while I was in denial (for months and months). Ahhhh! And 6 months later(ish) we were married! Yay love!