Bella Posa: June 2012

How we met

Brandon brought his dog, Buddy the black lab, into the vet clinic where I was working. Buddy had gotten into the trash and was sick (you don't want details). My veterinary technician, Stephanie, took a very thorough history for me, including if Brandon's wife or girlfriend fed the dogs or any kids fed him! Obviously, the answer to those questions was no, only he fed the dogs. I examined Buddy, ran blood work and other tests. While the tests ran, I sat in the room talking to Brandon (not my normal routine). I sent Buddy home with some medications and called to check on him the next day. He was feeling better, so we made an appointment for his vaccines, making sure I got to see Brandon again! I agonized over what to wear the day of his appointment, even though I wear a white lab coat over my clothes! I was hoping Brandon would notice me. After Buddy's vaccination appointment, I wasn't sure what to do, because I wanted to go out with him, but I didn't know if he had any interest in me. After a lot of debate, I decided I had to take a risk to get what I want, so I sent Brandon an email asking him if he wanted to go out sometime. It took him 5 days to respond!! But obviously, it worked! We went on our first date February 4, 2011 and saw each other every day after that until he deployed in April. That is the start of our Love Story.

How we got engaged

Brandon took me to Seul Choix Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan, where he first told me he loved me. He was very quiet on the ride out there, but I didn't think anything of it. We walked out to the lighthouse, he stopped and pulled my hood off. He told me he loved me and thought this was the perfect place to ask me to marry him. Then he pulled out a ring! I was completely surprised and excited! I don't even remember most of what he said or if I even said yes! But I did say yes, of course!