Dear Manny,

The first time you asked me out, I turned you down. Which was the worst (but best) decision I have ever made. Because what came next changed my life forever. 

The next Red Sox game I worked, I walked up to you in left field and tried sparking conversation – much like I did every game. You stared blankly back at me. Didn’t say a word. Didn’t move a muscle. I tried again. You stayed silent. Confused, I walked towards the Grounds Crew guys to say hello – and they gave back (I guess) what I deserved. Absolute. And. Utter. Silence. Now I knew what was up. Everyone was ignoring me – because everyone knew I turned you down. But it was more than that. Everyone along that first baseline knew you deserved a chance. I just needed a little push in your direction. 

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. But, this girl also loves great food. Fast forward a few weeks and we went on our first date to Clery’s. I knew exactly what I wanted to order walking in (which is really saying something given how indecisive I can be). Seconds after looking over the menu you made up your mind. Short rib grilled cheese and buffalo chicken dip. I’d be lying if I said I planned it as a test, but either way you passed it with flying colors. It  seems silly to say over a simple dinner choice, but in that moment I knew you were the one. 

Fast forward some time and you asked me to be your girlfriend laying in your bed one night. I don’t remember the exact wording but it was something along the lines of, “So at the graduation party tomorrow, can I introduce you as my girlfriend?” I gave you a hard time about your horrendous delivery (because that’s what I do) but obviously, I said yes. 

A few weeks later you told me you loved me, in MY room this time….Are we sensing a trend here? You almost said it in the Uber (equally as awful) but rest assured, I said it right back and haven’t stopped saying it since.

This time you got it right. And, I mean, REALLY right. The surprise, the ring (s/o to Doug & E.B. Horn), the delivery, even the shoes. You planned May 25, 2019 out to a tee. 

You told me I was just celebrating my 25th with the girls via mani pedis and brunch. You told me to meet you at Tia’s on the Waterfront for a triple date birthday dinner. I was so clueless that I even scouted out the menu beforehand and picked out my meal. 

When Lauren, Mary Kate and I walked up to Tia’s hostess, Lauren pointed out you were in Christopher Columbus Park (here I was thinking you forgot to make reservations and we had to kill time)… then I saw my sister… and my parents. More specifically my mom’s hair (ha) and looked at Lauren. “Is that my family!?” Yes. Yes it was. They were here from Georgia. In shock I gave everyone bear hugs and turned around when you grabbed a hold of me. 

All I remember you saying, was “Almost 3 years ago to this day, my life changed forever…” and then I blacked out (s/o to Steve for the video footage). I couldn’t stop smiling (or shaking) as I realized what was happening. You got down on one knee, asked me to marry you. I said “of course” and pulled you up to bear hug you almost IMMEDIATELY. I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t speak. Couldn’t believe what had just happened.

Then I asked the question my stomach was wondering all along, “Are we even going to Tia’s?” 

No. No we weren’t because you set up dinner at my favorite restaurant – Al Dente – and had a few of our closest friends there waiting. Waiting with hugs, balloons, decorated tables (thanks Sarah & Fel) and bottles of champagne. 

Obviously, you didn’t have a back up plan if I had happened to say no… but you knew you didn’t need one. Because of course, if I did say no, we both know that no one in the entirely of Fenway Park would ever speak to me again 😉 

I love you baby (para siempre), and cannot wait to spend the rest of our lives together. 

PHOTOS BY JAMES BARHAM