The two of us started as friends, but when the stars aligned, we realized there was much more there. Being 16, our dates largely consisted of brunch and the occasional dance. Not to mention our first date when we went to Museum at the Union Terminal and one of us was adamant it was "not a date". Not long after, it was time for us to learn and grow in two different cities. We decided that what we had was worth taking a chance. We may not have known at the time, but since we truly are meant to be, the only risk we were taking was trusting our cars to take us back-and-forth between Columbus and Bowling Green. But no weak motor mounts or exploding drive shafts could keep us apart for long. Long distance relationships in college are especially hard, but having someone we each could rely on made it that much easier. Through this we grew as individuals, but grew even stronger together. All we wanted was to be together but for a while our careers took us (quite literally) to opposite ends of the Earth. Alas, from different colleges to different countries, we finally were able to start making a home together.

It took almost six years, but the stars aligned again. We finally moved in together in Dublin and were so excited to spend all of our time together. Lucky for us, only a few short months later we were given all the reason in the world to work from home and never leave our one bedroom apartment. Ever. And since we're best friends, we couldn't imagine a better way to learn exactly how to push each other's buttons. In fact, we were so good at it, we thought it was time to find a larger apartment and truly make it our long-term home. We had too much room though...something was missing... Insert: Kya!

I knew I was ready to propose for months but couldn't find a time to sneak off and buy the ring. I decided it was time to make time. I picked out the ring the same day I picked up the key to our first home together. From there, I just needed to make a special time to propose. That was the plan at least. Instead I made breakfast! I planned a trip to Hocking Hills for us and our lovely puppy girl, Kya. I thought I could get a great photo of Amber reacting to seeing the ring when I dropped to one knee. But there were too many people and no space to create a special moment. We drove the two hours home and Amber graciously fell asleep on the ride so I could more comfortably wallow in my dejection. We took the next weekend easy and I woke up early to make a big pancake breakfast. Two pancakes in, I decided this moment on the couch with our puppy was more special than anything else I could dream up. I snuck off to grab the ring and make my move only to be interrupted by Amber's insatiable desire for more pancakes. That's how I knew I picked the right girl!

To be continued...April 23, 2022.