Crystal,

How is it we've only been together a year, yet I feel as though we've shared a lifetime together? From the trip to Key West, to the times just napping together on the couch, every moment with you has been so incredibly fulfilling! How is it possible that I'm 35 and feel that I've only just learned that THIS is how love is supposed to feel? I don't want to miss a moment together - every experience we share is something new and exciting! I love spoiling you every chance I get - the way you 'bounce' and get all excited when I surprise you with some new shoes, the cute (but frustrated!) smile you have when you know I'm planning something but haven't blown it yet and given it away... Whether it's something extravagant or something simple, I love thinking about the next way to surprise you! But no matter what it is we're doing, the best part is that we get to do it together. Sharing that time with you means more to me than you'll ever know.

p.s. - I love you

Dan

Crystal,

Can you believe it's been almost a year since I met you out front on that blustery fall day and fixed your windshield wiper? I remember the butterflies I felt when I blurted out, "Would you like to go to lunch?" and my mind reeling as the words came out. "What are you DOING?", I kept asking myself as we walked into Maria's and sat together, wanting so badly to reach across the table and take your hand in mine. Listening to you cry as everything poured out; the mix of frustration, anger and hurt was almost more than I could bear. I had always been attracted to you on so many levels, but here was a side I had never seen. It was at that moment I knew that there was more than just the innocent gesture of having lunch together. I'd known it for months but had never dared acknowledge the feelings I had for you. And I swore as I sat across from you in that booth, that were I lucky enough to share my life with you, you would never feel the way you did that day because I had neglected to show you how much I loved you and how much you mattered to me.

I left that day and had no idea of what lay ahead for us. I remember wondering what you were thinking when you went back to work - were your thoughts and emotions fighting inside of you as mine were? I thought about you all night and in the morning, the first thing I did was text you to see how you were doing. Again, I knew I shouldn't, but couldn't help but reach out to you. By the end of the day, there we were, together in the park talking and enjoying each other's company, sharing a moment I didn't want to end.

That moment would come to a close when we finally acknowledged it was time to go home. But since those first days together, there hasn't been a day where we've been apart. Even in the most difficult circumstances, we managed to find a way to snatch even the briefest moment of time to see each other.

And very soon, I knew I'd completely fallen for you. No more denying it, no more rationalizations - I was head-over-heels in love with you. And when you first said the words, "I love you too" it was like my very soul had be reawakened.

Today, I keep thinking of all the experiences we've shared together and how strong our love has grown through even the most difficult times. I think of that and can't wait to see how much stronger a couple we'll be as time goes on.

p.s. - I love you

Dan

Crystal,

Do you recognize this address? It's Maria's!

I love this place - you know every time we've been there since I still look at 'our' booth and think about the first time we went there? That has to be the most surreal lunch I've ever had!

I was also thinking about all the trips we've taken and how much I love doing those things together. Napa, San Francisco, Jackson, Key West... The experiences we've shared, the places we've visited all evoke wonderful memories - even when I was walking miles back and forth to the Rite Aid in Key West! :)

I can't wait to make more memories like that together. But the reality is, I don't care where we are or what we're doing, I just want to be there with you. That's what really matters to me.

p.s. - I love you

Dan

Crystal,

I remember coming to your work each day and waiting out in the cold in my shorts and shirt just so we could sit on the curb and have coffee together. It completely made my day to start off our morning together like that! I really did wonder if people thought I was stalking you at that corner by your work though! :)

I was thinking about how excited I would get around lunchtime when I knew I'd get to see you again, if only for a little bit. Then at 4:30, I'd be running around the house trying to tidy up so you didn't have to worry about cleaning or dishes or anything when you got home so that all you had to do was sit on the couch and snuggle up together.

I our first home-improvement project together, laying the floor and painting the living room! Little did we know that was just a warm-up exercise for what was to come later! But those months of working on the Cayman house were some of the best memories I have - even if we were up until 4AM laying floors! :)

We did more than just lay floors, paint or build a home in that time though. We built a foundation for our relationship. We learned that we can work together (without strangling each other!) and make something beautiful.

p.s. - I love you

Dan

Crystal,

So, are you wondering how many of these notes are floating around out there for all the world to see? :) I was thinking that as you're picking up Raith, how much I can't wait to watch our family grow. Be there by your side for all the doctor appointments as we watch our baby's heart beat, see her kicking and moving inside you. I can't wait to hold your hand as her little head emerges and she breathes on her own for the first time. I want to be there for it all - every moment as we love, guide and nurture our kids together. You're already an amazing mother and I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to sharing that experience with you.

p.s. - I love you

Dan

Crystal,

I've left some clothes laid out upstairs for you and Raith. Go ahead and get dressed, I'll be home in a little bit. We have reservations at 6:45 downtown. Are you wondering what I have up my sleeve? :)

p.s. - I love you

Dan

Crystal,

By now you have to be wondering how many notes are left! Well, I'll give you a little hint and tell you there is just one left and we're driving to it now. Think back through all the notes you've read today. All the people who care so much about you that they couldn't wait to be a part of my little 'surprise'. Anyone who didn't call was simply because I couldn't reach them in time and because there were only so many hours in a day!

Tomorrow marks the moment you and I started down this path together. I wanted you to know I have never once forgotten how wonderful a woman you are.

I hope this day has been a special one, Crystal. Very soon, you'll know what I have been planning!

p.s. - I love you

Dan

Crystal,

Almost one year ago, we went to lunch together for the first time at Maria's. We talked about our lives, learned more about each other and discovered that there was another person in the world who felt the same things we did.

Almost one year ago, I held you for the first time, felt your hand in mine and found bliss in your touch, your kiss.

Almost one year ago, we started down this path together - sometimes scared and anxious, other times excited and full of anticipation. Through it all, we held each other tight and the love that brought us together blossomed.

Almost on year ago, I knew that with you by my side, I could take on any challenge. I could face any hardship with hope instead of fear. I could be myself without worrying if that was enough.

Almost one year ago, I found you - and I found love.

Crystal, I'm not a perfect man by any means, but I try hard and will always give you and our family everything I have to give.

With the blessing of your Mom and Sister and your son by our side, I ask if you will grant me the greatest privilege of my life and marry me.

Forever yours,

Dan

p.s. - I love you

At 6:55 I popped 'the question' (with the help of her family, friends and Scribular!) and received an enthusiastic and teary-eyed, "Yes!"

Dreams do come true! :)

Congrats to my sister and my soon to be brother in law! I'll be looking for you in the paper ;)

Oh Crys Im so exciting with this, Contratulationes I wait on friday your and u never call me it get me sad, but now with this new I really get happy, I want to see pictures of u and Dan.

Well u have to came to South America for a honey trip after your wedding...:0)!!!

Thanks for sharing with me that romantic letter that Dan wrote u.

I love u soo much american sister and I miss u...

Give kisses and hugs to your baby and hugs for u and Dan.

Congrats and call me if u can tomorrow I will be in home, because today Im not Im goingo to a b-day party.

Take care of u.

Senka

Dan,

I don't know you but have heard the most wonderful things about you from Crystal...with that said, now I've heard more than how wonderful you are by the words you said to Crystal....thanks for making me cry! It's a fabulous cry...Crystal deserves someone who will make her laugh, give her support and told how beautiful she is everyday! You must be something so very special to have found her. I wish the both of you love from the bottom of my heart. Can't wait to see you guys!

Erin

I can't wait to see the article - that's going to be a keeper! I'll frame it for posterity. Congrats from me and Tim! I love you both!

Thanks for the update, Dan. This story just keeps getting better and better! Thanks so much for including all of us with your 'scribs'. You and your wonderful family are the talk of Sacramento, South Pasadena, and the entire Scribular universe!