Unsure of what you heard but this is what really happened...
Terrance's POV:
It seems like only yesterday when I was introduced to Brittani at a Residency "Match Party" in Nashville, Tennessee. I was invited to the party by my friend Harold and his wife Aisha, who were friends with Brittani. This is where I first became interested in her, but she rejected my attempts to gain her attention. I pulled out all of the stops. I was reciting some of my best jokes (did not work), told her my exhilarating story of fighting off 10,000 Taliban with one knife (did not work), and tried to serenade her with my rendition of a Marvin Gaye song (did not work). At that juncture, I picked up my pride and went to a corner of the club and had a few glasses of Crown-Royal, and sobbed on my friend Harold's shoulder.
Throughout the years, I would ask Aisha and Harold about Brittani, 'How was she doing?' 'How was her journey as an aspiring physician?' After returning from working in Afghanistan, I became a Federal Police Officer in Nevada. After a few years of working in Nevada, I requested for a transfer to work back in my hometown, Chicago, Illinois. Guess who interviewed for a Fellowship job, at the same time I was moving to Chicago? (You got it.) Brittani.
So, I studied some of the greatest comedy (to make her laugh) and listened to Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye (to ensure I was singing in the correct tune). As the Joe Cocker song is playing in my head, "What would you do if I sang out of tune? Would you stand up and walk out on me? Lend me your ears, then I'll sing you a song. I will try not to sing out of key". I received advice from the G.O.A.T himself, my Uncle, Luther Boyd. Jr, better known as, 'Uncle Jr.' He expressed to me ,"to be myself".
After all of the studying and strategic planning, I had built my confidence to ask Brittani out for dinner. I was optimistic that I would have a different outcome, despite her last rejection THREE YEARS ago in Nashville. Aisha gave Brittani my number and she started texting. This was a problem; I was not a texter. I have an outdated Android, I do not have an IG account, and barely knew how to operate my Facebook page. So, we got off on the wrong foot. Let Brittani tell it, I was stuck in the early 2000’s with technology. She would text me and I would respond with a call. After some time, guess who became a texter? (You got it.) Terrance. I eventually gained her affection and she agreed to dinner.
We dated for 3 years, and then I popped the question, "Will you marry me?" She said "Yes." In my smooth groove voice, I serenaded her with, John Legend's song " Cause all of me loves all of you. Love your curves and all your edges. All your perfect imperfections. Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you. You're my end and my beginning. Even when I lose, I'm winning".
Ok, I cheated a little bit with the John Legend lyrics and may have embellished our love story just a little bit to keep your attention, but you get the gist.
In all seriousness....Brittani is my rock, my peace, the person I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with.
After all of the studying and strategic planning, I had built my confidence to ask Brittani out for dinner. I was optimistic that I would have a different outcome, despite her last rejection THREE YEARS ago in Nashville. Aisha gave Brittani my number and she started texting. This was a problem; I was not a texter. I have an outdated Android, I do not have an IG account, and barely knew how to operate my Facebook page. So, we got off on the wrong foot. Let Brittani tell it, I was stuck in the early 2000’s with technology. She would text me and I would respond with a call. After some time, guess who became a texter? (You got it.) Terrance. I eventually gained her affection and she agreed to dinner.
We dated for 3 years, and then I popped the question, "Will you marry me?" She said "Yes." In my smooth groove voice, I serenaded her with, John Legend's song " Cause all of me loves all of you. Love your curves and all your edges. All your perfect imperfections. Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you. You're my end and my beginning. Even when I lose, I'm winning".
Ok, I cheated a little bit with the John Legend lyrics and may have embellished our love story just a little bit to keep your attention, but you get the gist.
In all seriousness....Brittani is my rock, my peace, the person I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with.
Our love story from my perspective...
Brittani's POV:
Our love story from my perspective begins on March 19, 2016, when I was invited to Nashville, Tennessee for the Meharry Medical School Match Party with my friends Aisha and Taheerah. Taking a break from dancing, a gentleman named Terrance Brown sat beside me and introduced himself swiftly. I responded with a brief introduction and a few curt answers to his questions before realizing I wasn't in the mood for conversation. Terrance promptly moved to the opposite side of the room. Little did I know, this brief encounter would leave a lasting impression.
Fast forward to July 2019, when I relocated to Chicago, IL, for a fellowship. Amidst my intense schedule, Aisha invited me to dinner and surprised me by mentioning Terrance's persistent interest in me over the past three years. Despite my initial reservations from our first meeting, we exchanged numbers and went on our first date on October 2, 2019. On a rainy evening, while I was on call, Terrance picked me up and took me to dinner near the hospital. He brought a gift bag filled with my favorite snacks, candy, perfume, and a bouquet of purple roses. Little did he know he was speaking directly to my love languages: Acts of Service and Receiving Gifts. Thus began his heartfelt pursuit.
In the subsequent weeks and months, Terrance continued to shower me with considerate acts—sending flowers, food, and edible arrangements to my workplace, even meeting me with groceries during my on-call weeks. My colleagues eagerly anticipated his kind gestures, finding them impressive. .
It was not until Thanksgiving weekend 2019, almost two months after meeting Terrance, that I truly realized the depth of his altruism and sincerity. In planning for my parents' arrival for Thanksgiving, I knew I had to work on their arrival day and would need to arrange transportation from the airport. Out of the blue, Terrance asked if he could pick my parents up from Chicago O'Hare Airport. Initially, I quickly said no, explaining that I was just getting to know him and I did not think it was a good idea to introduce my parents at this time.
However, Terrance did not take no for an answer and continued to ask if he could pick them up, justifying that Uber, Lyft, or cab drivers were also strangers. After deliberating with my brother Tre, who also thought it was not a good idea, I reluctantly agreed. Terrance not only picked up my parents from O'Hare, which was over 40 minutes from where he lived, but he also took them out to eat at my favorite breakfast restaurant, brought them to visit me at my job, ensured they were comfortable in my condo, and then he went to work. His efforts made me realize that he was not only trying to be my friend; his character was beyond extraordinary.
It was not until Thanksgiving weekend 2019, almost two months after meeting Terrance, that I truly realized the depth of his altruism and sincerity. In planning for my parents' arrival for Thanksgiving, I knew I had to work on their arrival day and would need to arrange transportation from the airport. Out of the blue, Terrance asked if he could pick my parents up from Chicago O'Hare Airport. Initially, I quickly said no, explaining that I was just getting to know him and I did not think it was a good idea to introduce my parents at this time.
However, Terrance did not take no for an answer and continued to ask if he could pick them up, justifying that Uber, Lyft, or cab drivers were also strangers. After deliberating with my brother Tre, who also thought it was not a good idea, I reluctantly agreed. Terrance not only picked up my parents from O'Hare, which was over 40 minutes from where he lived, but he also took them out to eat at my favorite breakfast restaurant, brought them to visit me at my job, ensured they were comfortable in my condo, and then he went to work. His efforts made me realize that he was not only trying to be my friend; his character was beyond extraordinary.
Once my fellowship was complete in July 2020, I accepted a job in Nevada. Of course, in true Terrance fashion, he swooped in to ensure my transition was seamless. He continued to show unwavering support and love while long-distance; having food, flowers, and gifts delivered, planning trips, and relishing meaningful conversations over the phone. He consistently exceeded my expectations and proved he was in a class of his own.
Terrance loves cars and kept asking if I wanted a new car. However, I was very happy with my 2007 Saturn, which my parents paid for over 12 years ago. She was perfect for me, but Terrance disagreed.
Once my fellowship was complete in July 2020, I accepted a job in Nevada. Of course, in true Terrance fashion, he swooped in to ensure my transition was seamless. He continued to show unwavering support and love while long-distance; having food, flowers, and gifts delivered, planning trips, and relishing meaningful conversations over the phone. He consistently exceeded my expectations and proved he was in a class of his own.
Terrance loves cars and kept asking if I wanted a new car. However, I was very happy with my 2007 Saturn, which my parents paid for over 12 years ago. She was perfect for me, but Terrance disagreed. Late one night on September 27, 2022, after a long day, I arrived home. I noticed a car in my driveway. I thought someone parked their car in my spot. Outraged, I got out of my car only to realize there was a big red bow on the car. I immediately called my parents, who pretended not to know what I was talking about. Well, you guessed it—Terrance surprised me with a new car delivered to my home in remote Winnemucca, NV from Chicago, IL. Terrance called and said, "Happy early birthday!" I was completely shocked and beyond grateful that this was my birthday gift. At that moment, I felt it was the best birthday ever.
The following weekend, I planned a trip to NYC for my birthday to spend time with my brother, Tre. I had detailed a weekend of activities with friends and my parents. Tre asked that I leave one night, October 2nd, open for him to plan a surprise excursion, and of course, I agreed. The surprise excursion was a dinner cruise around the New York Harbor. While aboard, the typically camera-shy Terrance began asking everyone to meet near the Statue of Liberty for group pictures. After several group pictures, Terrance yelled for one more picture with just the two of us. I thought this was a bit strange, but I went along with it. As we posed for our picture, Terrance suddenly dropped to one knee and asked for my hand in marriage. At that moment, it seemed as if time went into slow motion. I blocked out all sounds except for that of Terrance’s voice. Everyone on the boat disappeared except for Terrance as he kneeled before me, staring at me with those handsome brown eyes and asking me to be his wife. I was quickly flooded with emotions of shock, excitement, disbelief, and pure joy. It is safe to say I was completely caught off guard and speechless. My mouth remained open, and Terrance asked again, “ B, will you marry me?”
After saying yes, I learned that Terrance had intentionally planned the entire day. Three years ago, he took me out for the first time, and he wanted this day to be the same day he had asked me to be his wife. In preparation for this birthday-turned-engagement weekend, he had asked my dad and brother for my hand in marriage a year prior. To my surprise, my dad and brother kept this secret from me for an entire year. Knowing Terrance curated and executed a beautiful excursion, the feeling this weekend brought was overwhelming. He even hired a photographer so we could reminisce about this day for years to come.
I have countless examples showing what an amazing person Terrance Brown is, and I am in awe that I get to spend my life with a beautiful man who loves and cherishes me and my family.
Late one night on September 27, 2022, after a long day, I arrived home. I noticed a car in my driveway. I thought someone parked their car in my spot. Outraged, I got out of my car only to realize there was a big red bow on the car. I immediately called my parents, who pretended not to know what I was talking about. Well, you guessed it—Terrance surprised me with a new car delivered to my home in remote Winnemucca, NV from Chicago, IL. Terrance called and said, "Happy early birthday!" I was completely shocked and beyond grateful that this was my birthday gift. At that moment, I felt it was the best birthday ever.
The following weekend, I planned a trip to NYC for my birthday to spend time with my brother, Tre. I had detailed a weekend of activities with friends and my parents. Tre asked that I leave one night, October 2nd, open for him to plan a surprise excursion, and of course, I agreed. The surprise excursion was a dinner cruise around the New York Harbor. While aboard, the typically camera-shy Terrance began asking everyone to meet near the Statue of Liberty for group pictures. After several group pictures, Terrance yelled for one more picture with just the two of us. I thought this was a bit strange, but I went along with it. As we posed for our picture, Terrance suddenly dropped to one knee and asked for my hand in marriage. At that moment, it seemed as if time went into slow motion. I blocked out all sounds except for that of Terrance’s voice. Everyone on the boat disappeared except for Terrance as he kneeled before me, staring at me with those handsome brown eyes and asking me to be his wife. I was quickly flooded with emotions of shock, excitement, disbelief, and pure joy. It is safe to say I was completely caught off guard and speechless. My mouth remained open, and Terrance asked again, “ B, will you marry me?”
After saying yes, I learned that Terrance had intentionally planned the entire day. Three years ago, he took me out for the first time, and he wanted this day to be the same day he had asked me to be his wife. In preparation for this birthday-turned-engagement weekend, he had asked my dad and brother for my hand in marriage a year prior. To my surprise, my dad and brother kept this secret from me for an entire year. Knowing Terrance curated and executed a beautiful excursion, the feeling this weekend brought was overwhelming. He even hired a photographer so we could reminisce about this day for years to come.
I have countless examples showing what an amazing person Terrance Brown is, and I am in awe that I get to spend my life with a beautiful man who loves and cherishes me and my family.