Thanks to so many of you who have left comments and sent emails. It's so much fun for Leah and I to share our story with you. By the way, Leah is telling her perspective of our journey on her blog.
Back to the story...
Samantha sent me a text message at 4.08 on Friday to inform me that Leah was leaving the church. It's about a twenty minute drive from Northway to Leah's house. I understand that twenty minutes isn't very long. But during those twenty minutes I felt like God hit pause on His sunset button and stopped time. I lit all the candles and checked on the chicken. That left me another seventeen minutes to sweat, pace, and pray that she would say "yes."
When Leah finally walked through the door, she was talking on the phone with Ashley (her other sister who lives in Virginia). Their conversation was perfect. She was actually complaining to Ashley that I didn't seem to be putting too much thought into our engagement. That's when she looked up to the top of the stairs, saw me standing there in front of my candle creation, and said to Ashley, "Oh my gosh, I'll have to call you back!"
I can only explain what happened next as a sort of shrieking, giggling sound. I'll call it shriggling. I took Leah's hand and tried to calm her down, while hoping my own heart rate would slow down. I took a minute to look into her eyes and settle into the moment. And then I told her some things I've been waiting several years to say.
In her excitement, Leah hadn't noticed the ring sitting at the top of the candle pyramid. By the time I turned around and picked it up a fresh round of shriggling began. Then I got down on one knee and asked the girl of my dreams to marry me. That led to more shriggling, and since shriggling sounds different than "yes," I asked her to clarify:) And just for the record, she definitely said "yes!"
Surprising Leah and getting the ring on her finger was phase one of the engagement plan. Phase two started when I stood up and got to do two things I've never done before.
And that's where we'll pick up the story tomorrow!
Brad-I can't imagine you pacing or sweating over anything-you are always sooo coool! I would've traded an all expense paid trip to Yankee Candle to have seen you worrying about something! I'm so happy for you. JV
Posted by: Jennifer Vowles | August 28, 2007 at 08:32 PM
Brad! Congratulations! Chris & I are SO HAPPY for you & Leah! Now you are "officially" marrying into the APC bloodline! Welcome to the family! You are gaining a wonderful, talented, beautiful, smart woman who is powerfully used by God. We can wait to see all that God does in & through your lives & ministry! Way to go on the engagement!
Posted by: Chris & Kate Griffin | August 28, 2007 at 10:32 PM
Well done Brad!!
I have been praying for that moment to happen for Leah since we became friends and you made it more amazing for her than I could have prayed for! Thank you for making it the most special, romantic surprise she will ever get! I am thankful for the way you love her! She is one of the most precious people to me and I am more than thrilled to see the two of you together fight for the kingdom...I can't even imagine what mission God has for you two as future Mr. and Mrs. Leach!! woo hoo!
I am more than happy for you both! Thanks for sharing with us!
Posted by: Jennifer A | August 29, 2007 at 11:06 AM