Kerrian Foster peers adoringly into the eyes of her husband-to-be, Christopher McGrath. Christopher returns her loving stares while embracing his fianc?e. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer

It is conventional for the man to propose marriage to the woman. However, 21-year-old Kerrian Foster was not concerned with convention. Consumed by love, she decided to ask her boyfriend of over a year, 31-year-old Christopher McGrath, to marry her.

"I always knew I wanted to spend my life with him," says Kerrian, "but when I found out I was pregnant with his child, that was when I was sure."

But why not wait for him to propose?

"I am a bold person," says Kerrian, who was certain that he would accept. And so she submitted her entry to The Gleaner's 'Will you marry me?' competition. Her earnest words won over the hearts of the judges, and her proposal was published.

Christopher, her boyfriend, and father of their two-month-old daughter, Kerriss Latanya, gleefully accepted, and they are planning to get married later this year.

How it all began

Their story started more than 15 years ago, when Kerrian's mother, with a young Kerrian, moved in with Christopher's mother's home in Washington Gardens, to lend support to her friend who was grieving the loss of a loved-one.

Christopher was also living in the same home, but he soon left Jamaica to study in the U.S.

Kerrian, too, left the home to go to school in another parish.

It was not until many years later, when they both returned to the same home, that the sparks would fly.

"I began to develop a crush on him," says Kerrian. "I would find every excuse to say hi, but he didn't pay me any mind."

Secret meetings

Soon enough, he began to notice her, and they began seeing each other secretly in August 2005. Eventually, they came out with it, but Kerrian's mother did not approve. She soon came around, and like everyone else, Kerrian's mother is now happy for the young couple.

They're planning a small wedding, with just the immediate family and few friends, since, "we can't take the excitement," as explained by Christopher.

Kerrian is in university, pursuing her bachelor's degree in hotel and tourism management, while Christopher is a driver and aspiring music producer.

The competition is sponsored by: Mall and Tropical Jewellers, SuperClubs Grand Lido Braco and Lascelles Wines and Spirits.

Kerrian's winning entry

At first, I was insecure to open my heart's door, but I took the chance.

You've made yourself at home; now I'm enjoying the sweetest romance.

We've stolen kisses in corners and hid from my mother - the moon, the only witness.

While the world was asleep, there was just us and no other.

Even when you were forbidden to see me, you still took the risk. I'll always cherish this.

You've been my best friend and lover; I would love you to be in my life forever.

Here I am on bended knees, asking "Will you Marry Me?"(The entry was edited from its original 99 words)