Two nieces, One stair Stepper and Some Engagement Rings

My brother and sister-in-law blessed our family with two wonderful girls, Emma and Allison.

If you remember the Patty Duke show, they are the Patty Duke show.  Total opposites but thick as thieves.

Emma is "a Bahneman" through and through.  Organized, bossy, never misses a good time, flashy dresser and could not wait to be engaged and get married.  

Allison is "an Ammann" through and through.  Late, procrastinates, over the top cerebral, vegan and tofu, only chooses colors the Amish wears and was taken back by her engagement.

Despite their differences, they have rings on their fingers.  Bridal Ballooza has begun.

We cannot wait. Lately, I have been spending a crazy amounts of time on Pintrest and creating boards.  

So happy they are happy.

I have been going to the gym and have not seen the Marine or the Stair Stepper in months, months.  

I have been going at different times and have not run into the Marine or his group and the Stair stepper.  Not going to lie, I missed them and was a tad bit concerned.

Yesterday, I ran into the post office.  When I was walking back to my car, the Stair Stepper was walking out of a local restaurant.  She had a bag of take out under her arm.  It was her.  She looked over and because I had just left the gym, I had my "gym wear" on.  She waved at me.  I  waved back.  It was her, my stair stepper.  I needed the scoop.

So, I walked over to her.  She smiled and I said, "Where have you been, I haven't seen you in months?"

She smiled and said, "I got a new job.  I have been in Charleston.  This is my last weekend so I am just wrapping everything up.  I did go to the gym earlier but this is my last day here."

Yes, my heart sank.  I don't hide feelings well.  The Marine, what about the Marine?  

"I am so happy for you. Charleston is my favorite city ever.  So happy for you, you are a nurse, aren't you?"

"Yes, I got a new job there is a the medical center.  Getting a job at the Medical Center there has been a professional goal for me."  (I knew she was a nurse).

"Well I am just so happy for you."  (clearly, I sounded a bit sad).  (what about the Marine?)

And then she said, "I did get a going away present" and she whipped out her hand that had been under the take out.  

There is it was, the rock.  

Not going to lie, I screamed with happiness.  I do not even know the names of this couple but I have been cheering them on and their love.

She laughed so hard.  She said, "Jay even mentioned his gym mom would be happy for us".

I am so glad he said gym mom and not "elderly lady from the gym."

His name is Jay and I learned they are deployed.  She doesn't know when or where they will end up but her goal was to get a job in Charleston so she went to fulfill her last single girl dream while he was deployed.  I love this couple.  

I gave her a sweaty hug and wished them well, and congratulated her on her new job and told her I was so proud of her for going for it and even threw in there that my husband and I lived there and got married on the beach at IOP.  She smiled.  

And, as I was walking to my car, I yelled back at her, "and tell that handsome Marine of yours I was routing for him the whole time and I am proud of him for going for it!"

She cracked up. Unlocked her car door and that was the last I will no doubt ever see of her.

And while I am certainly sure I will not be invited to a wedding where I do not even know the name of the bride, I am happy for the upcoming nuptials and that love lives and grows.