Background Stories

August of 2003 we were in Denver, Colorado for Candice's cousin, Jason Merritt's wedding. While there Huy met one of her closest friends, Joe Nepoemoceno (aka. Napalm) who she knew from college. The wedding was beautiful and after all of the celebrating was through Huy headed back to Washington, DC and Candice headed to Meeker to see her grandparents, Allen & Marge, and aunt and uncle, Ben & Shelly.

Candice and Joe agreed that they would get together for dinner one last time on Friday before she headed back East. While in Meeker Candice decided that she would stay and help Ben & Shelly out at a BBQ that they were running on Friday and delay the dinner plans until Saturday. When she broke the news to Joe he was seriously upset, but finally after much talking said that he was fine and that (in a slightly huffy voice) he would reschedule.

That night at the BBQ Candice was struck by how much she missed her boyfriend, especially after he had been so amazing about her getting sick the previous week (see the "When She Knew" story). The BBQ concluded and goodbye's said, the next morning she headed back on the five hour drive to Denver. Making sure to check in with Huy back in DC, and let Joe know that she was headed back his way.

Once back in Denver Candice and Joe prepared to head to dinner and she was struck by suprise when, instead of Taco Bell or Macaroni Grill, Joe informed her that they would be going to a very upscale resteraunt. Candice's first impression was, "Oh my goodness... does Joe have a crush on me??? This is super bizarre."

So, off they head to the Brown Palace (see the "Special Meaning of the Brown Palace" story) one of the most beautiful landmarks in Denver, Colorado. Once there and seated, by a oh so stuffy waiter, they proceeded to order drinks and an appetizer. When asked why they didn't just order the entire meal Joe casually replied that he wanted to take his time. At this point Candice is acutely uncomfortable by the way Joe keeps getting numerous phone calls and has to use the restroom over and over again. Now she's thinking.... oh my god... Joe is a drug dealer... or he has diahrea. Either way, not a pleasent picture.

Set on getting an answer when he returns from the latest bathroom run she feels a hand on her shoulder and turns. She looks up dumbstruck at a man that looks amazing like her boyfriend, Huy. Except this man is wearing a black suit with matching tie offset by his deep red shirt and matching long stemmed red rose. As he folds to one knee reality starts to sink in and the tears start to pour. Tears of happiness and tears of disbelief.

He tells her that she's the one. That he sees his childern in her smile. That there is no one else that could make his house a home. All this and more he told her until, ever so politely the waiter waves a silver tray for her sodden napkin and offered her another... well maybe he had to come back a few times.