The Engagement

To begin the story, we must start at Thanksgiving.

After a long discussion regarding Christmas plans, the pair realized their differing holiday expectations. Amanda expected for them to spend Christmas with their own respective families, yet Grant expected them to spend Christmas together. Finally, in extreme exasperation, he "let it slip" that there might be a specific reason why he wanted to spend Christmas morning with her.

From then on, Amanda expected the proposal to occur on Christmas morning.

In mid December, Amanda graduated from college and moved out away from campus. Still surrounded by overflowing boxes, she received a call from Grant informing her of a work-related dinner they had to go to the next day.

Fighting frustration (she hadn't even had a chance to do laundry in between finals, graduation, and moving!), she was ready to go at five on the appointed evening, December 21st. He picked her up, then casually mentioned that the dinner wasn't until eight.

Sensing Amanda's growing irritation (after all, she did hurry to get ready on time!), he told her they would stop off on the way there. "As a thank you," he said, "for going with me to this dinner on last minute notice." Soon they arrived at the Chickasha Festival of Lights, one of Amanda's favorite holiday events.

As they approached the entrance, Grant told her they would drive through the display, since it was so cold. The next thing Amanda knew, the car was parked and Grant was climbing out of the car. He led her through the park, encouraging her that they might as well enjoy it...the road was so blocked with cars it would take too long to drive through.

They walked around a bit, enjoying the special displays of lights. Christmas lights are Amanda's absolute favorite.

They headed towards the lighted bridge. Grant stopped Amanda; a gentle glow building behind his deep eyes. He told her that he wanted to give Amanda her Christmas present early.

He handed her a long, rectangular package. She unwrapped it to find a hot pink Bible with the name "Amanda Soderberg" engraved on it. She opened the cover and found he had written pages about how much he loved her. The last line read, "Amanda, will you..."

She looked up to see him at eye level, lowered to one knee.

He said many sweet and amazing things, which she will always cherish but never remember! The moment was a blur as he put the most beautiful diamond she's ever seen on her finger.

After snapping a few photos--with the multiple congratulations from the passerbys punctuating the air--he herded Amanda back to the car, reminding her about his work dinner. Along the drive, he quizzed her on who she was meeting. He even took her phone away so that they could talk!

Although she was getting madder and madder by the moment, since she couldn't even talk to her parents, Grant was able to keep her calmed down.

When they got to the restaurant, Grant barged right in. Amanda even apologized to the hostess! But as the pair turned the corner, there stood his and her families...waiting to celebrate the engagement with them!

It was the most magical night of both of their lives!