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The dance by the Christmas tree

Todd and I had been dating for about six months in 1997. Sometime during that time I told him that I dreamed of dancing with him in front of the Christmas tree. He invited me to his home Dec. 18. He prepared a wonderful meal that we ate by candlelight. Soft music was playing in the background and as we neared the end of our meal, the song “Unforgettable” by Natalie Cole came on. Todd stood up, took my hand and asked me to dance. My dream was coming true!

I was dancing with the man of my dreams in front of a beautiful Christmas tree, but after just a few minutes, he stopped and said, “I need to call Phillip about hunting tomorrow. Can you get me the phone book?”

To this day, I do not know who Phillip is and my first thought was, “You have got to be kidding!” But I went ahead and opened the cabinet to get the phone book. I looked in to see not a phone book but a diamond ring! He got on one knee and said what I am sure were some wonderful things. I have no clue what they were. I was too busy crying and saying “Yes!”

We have been married now for 11 years and have two incredible children. Even now, he never misses an opportunity to make my life exciting and wonderful.

Wanda Garren, Lincolnton, Rutherford EMC

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