They stood at the bottom of the mountain together. The same one where they’d hiked on their second date. He walked ahead of her. She walked with their dog. The sun overhead warmed the fresh desert air. One step after the next, she climbed higher. Little by little, like falling in love, perhaps, the city views became more great. More grand. Small clouds of dust kicked up under her feet and her four-legged companion’s. That’s when she looked down at the trail. And saw it laying there. A note. The first of six, she’d soon find out. She reached down to pick it up, and immediately recognized his handwriting. She tore open the envelope and read the card inside. It was a love letter. She looked up to find the author of the note, the man who, in just minutes, mere moments, would become not just a a character in a chapter of the story of her life, but her co-star in a leading role.
She looked up, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. Of that smile she’d fallen for at dinner so long ago. But he wasn’t there. She continued on the path. Stopping five more times, for five more letters. Five more deep breaths. Five more teary-eyed glances and gazes to the sky. Each time climbing higher. Each time getting sweeter. Each time becoming clearer. That’s when she saw him. On one knee. At the top of the mountain. A smile on his face, a ring in his hand, his heart on his sleeve, and all the possibilities in the world in front of them. They’d made it. To the highest place they could be, in every sense of the world. She walked toward him. He held her hand. They locked misty eyes. And, with the cacti and boulders as witnesses, he asked her the question he’d been waiting to ask since they first stood at the bottom together: Will you marry me?
Katie and Evan (from Heaven, as YiaYia calls you), you’re both Greek, which makes you family by tradition — and fifty perfect cooler than us by fact, since Amy’s not Greek — but it didn’t take more than a few minutes over coffee before we knew you’d also be like family to us. By choice. We couldn’t be more excited for your wedding this fall with one of our favorite people (Danielle from Outstanding Occasions) at one of our favorite places (El Chorro). And you better believe we’re gonna throw down when that Greek music kicks on and shout our loudest Opa! to the ceiling! Because if there’s one thing we know about Greeks, it’s that we love big. Just like you love each other. Here’s to eleven months and counting. What’s more? Here’s to a love story that’s already started, but, in so many ways, has only just begun.
