(Lana's POV)
We're engaged! Parker proposed on a wonderful night in Myshuno Meadows park. It was such a surprise to me because I genuinely thought I'd be able to tell when it happened, so for me to be surprised is just another cherry on top of the happiness sundae!
We had plans to head to San Myshuno for this conference on relationships that Reece & Stacie's church was hosting in the city, at the time time my parents got an invite from some family friends to visit, so I flew in with them and my sister . Parker's parents were invited to speak at the conference, so them being in the city wasn't a surprise to me either. The conference was definitely a blessing, who would've thought that I'd be able to apply the notes I was making in the not so distant future!
Maggie, Shane, Reece, and Stacie also all attended the conference with us, so it was a great bonding session for us all. I feel so blessed that Parker's sisters and sisters-in-law have taken me in and treated me like family since we met, and now we're going to actually be family soon! After the conference was over we went for a large family dinner the next day since we had a long weekend, after dinner Parker and I branched off with the siblings and we headed out and got some hot chocolate and nice winter desserts as it started to slowly start snowing. Maggie suggested we go into the park and appreciate the nice view with the snow and maybe get some pictures, and as we were walking the boys headed off towards the park whilst us girls got caught up taking pictures.
As the girls and I walked into the park and got into the area by the gazebo, Maggie and Stacie both told me I had to wear a blindfold for what would happen next. I went along with it and started walking and reach what I know to be the gazebo that's in the park. When at the gazebo the blindfold is taken off of me and replaced with Parker's hand and we walk further down - at this point I knew that the proposal was happening but didn't want to believe it. As we were walking, Parker was reminding me of our conversations about the future and what my 'dream' proposal would be like, and as I was agreeing is when he lifted his hand off my face and I saw the ring and all the decor!
In that moment, time stood still as Parker began quoting "I have found the one whom my soul loveth" and got on one knee and asked me if I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. It was all so surreal, I don't think I said yes for a good 2 or 3 minutes until Parker asked me again. It was only after he put the ring on that I zoned back in and realised that Maggie was photographing the whole thing and our parents and siblings (well, my sister and then some of Parker's) were just outside the gazebo waiting to celebrate with us! Parker made my dream proposal come true, outside with the snow falling and our families surrounding us.
Our mamas were the first people onto the gazebo to celebrate with us, and they took this cute picture with us. They started planning the wedding as we stood in the gazebo! It's such a blessing that we have such wonderful parents, Parker is the 11th of his parent's children to get married and his mother is still overjoyed with each engagement and wedding that comes in to the family. My mama has been praying for this moment her entire life, and is rejoicing now that it's coming true for her.
My parents love Parker to bits from the moment they got to meet him, he fits right in with us. Before we started dating, my parents decided to upgrade our 4 person dining table to a 6 person one, what incredibly forward thinking. Parker fits right in at family dinners, and is like the son my parents never had, when he comes to visit sometimes my dad will take him out with other guys from church and they'll do different activities from time to time. Out in Oasis Springs the desert doesn't provide you with much recreational activity, but they still found a way to bond.
Parker's parents, siblings and their spouses have made me feel so welcomed into their family. From inviting me to whole family events, to his sisters and sisters-in-law inviting me out with them, as well as inviting me, my mama, and my sister out to different outings and events. I can't wait to officially join the family and be Mrs.Collins! Let the wedding planning begin!
