The Engagement: By the time I reached Tew's Falls I was so completely ready to see Marty. I practically ran up the one flight of stairs (with my roses and clues) to the lookout point. Sure enough, there was Marty awaiting me with a table with another 6 roses (to make it an even dozen), wine, and candles spread out all around. It was beautiful!! I was still so shaky that I asked Marty if I could sit. He (of course) responded with "not yet." He too was quite shaky and I knew what was coming next :). He told me that he had brought me here because of the last 13 months. After some more romantic things were said (once again I'll spare you :)), the last thing he left me with was that he promised to be by my side always and that together he promised we would continue to give all the glory and praise to God. He then said he had one more question for me, got down on one knee and said "Rachel Kristina Breimer, will you marry me?." At which point I, obviously, said yes!! After some initial excitement and hugging and picture taking (his friend Ryan came by to bring us our dinner (subs :)) and kindly took a few pictures), we settled down, made some phone calls and finally sat down to eat :). We had subs and wine for dinner and strawberries, whip-cream, and a small cheese cake roll for desert. VERY good, though I was so worked up that I could barely muster up an appetite. Marty then showed me a bit more about the ring including the engraving on the inside which reads "Love Never Fails." This was a two part statement - to remind me that his love for me would never end and, more importantly, that God's love for us would never fail. Very cool! He also had a heart made from the panels he works with at work with our names and the date on it. He thought of everything! :) After dinner we went home and enjoyed going around surprising everyone with our news. We also enjoyed some cake that my mom had made that afternoon in celebration.

Needless to say, I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful guy in my life. This is just the very beginning and I pray that the excitement will continue as we plan a wedding (friends and family - keep June 2nd, 2007 open!) and a life together. God is good!