The Proposal

Saturday afternoon Anna’s roommate Ashley dragged her out of their house. Caleb and MC had bought out the flowers from several grocery stores, then decorated the house. When Anna returned, Caleb proposed. Anna had thought a proposal was still a few weeks away, but wasn’t sure.

Ceil actually wanted to get to the party early. It wasn’t far away: a right off our street, left onto Timber Ridge, right on Little Willeo, and left onto Colony. I thought it was just going to be our family and Caleb’s, but five or six of Caleb’s pals were there. Also Anna’s best friends from high school (Emily from Denver and Brittany from Minnesota). Anna’s four college roommates.

Caleb’s brother Jack and two sisters, and Caleb’s young niece and nephew.

MC’s brother Thomas and wife Holly, whose family are best buds with the Schaefers. Thomas had played football with Caleb, whose dad John was the coach. At least 32 in attendance.

Caleb and Anna arrived, and the party was on. It was the first time I’d met John, so I hung around him most of the time. Matthew and John talked grilling.

John gave a short speech before blessing the food. Later Jack offered a toast. Both had to hold back tears. Glad I didn’t have to speak. A year younger than me, John grew up at Peachtree Presbyterian. I might’ve visited his Sunday School class a couple of times when I went with my grandmother. He played nose guard at Lakeside High, and went on recruiting trips to Clemson and Kentucky with fellow nose tackle William The Refrigerator Perry.

Caleb asked the South Carolina cousins to come. The Schaefers are used to hosting large gatherings. John grilled pork and chicken for sliders. Cheese trays, cupcakes, at least three kinds of cookies. BBQ chips. Dips and more. Will knew Caleb’s sister from a Roswell coffee shop.

Anna was so excited she could hardly work yesterday. She had to attend a store event tonight.