Tyra J.
It all started when my boyfriend, Duane, flew into my hometown on New Year's Eve. I knew that he was coming to town, but not with an agenda. We decided to go to a The Masonic Annual New Year's Dance that evening to bring in the New Year. We met several family members and friends at the dance. We ate and danced all night.
Once the New Year came in, we continued to enjoy our evening until we noticed people starting to leave the dance. Duane kept leaving our table for some odd reason at the time not known to me. He kept leaving to gather up everyone for his presentation. The last time he left the table, he told me he was going to the restroom, so I didn't think anything of it.
When Duane returned, I noticed him talking to my brother because he was getting ready to leave telling him he couldn't leave yet because he has a presentation to make; behind him were all my family and friends. As I remember, he stood at the front of the table to me. He spoke to me saying, "Tyra, I know we've had good times and bad times. We have been together for so long, and have grown so much. I love you with all of my heart." He dropped to one knee and pulled a box from his pocket. He opened it, and I was so shocked! Through tears of joy, I screamed, "Yes, yes!" We hugged and kissed, and when I turned around everyone was looking at us. I immediately felt embarrassed until they asked to see my ring. This was the best New Year ever!