The setting was less than ideal. It was a work trip down to Austin. Courtney was looking to be a strong and independent woman focused on getting into MBA school in another city, while Ryan was focused on advancing his own career. Fortunately, the trip was a social one and the two were "fatefully" forced next to each other for 3 hours on the drive down (there is currently no official proof that Ryan, who was in charge of the trip, designed this outcome).

Despite the setup, the sparks flew as the conversation never stuttered during the three hour drive. The driver and copilot curiously listened in as they felt love sparks come from the back seat.

While in Austin and maintaining a professional relationship of shotgunning beers while floating along the river, the two only grew in their respectful admiration for each other (ok ok.. they looked good in their bathing suits!).

After a professional dinner and night caps at a bar, the evening ended with the most romantic move: In the living room of the AirBnB, Ryan asks Courtney if he could kiss her. She said yes! The kiss was perfect, especially because the gentleman snoring on the other side of the living room did not wake up.

Ryan offers to take Courtney out the next week to indulge in some of their favorite activities: sushi, bowling, and pool. The sushi was mutually crushed, the pins were dominated (by Ryan), and the pool table was conquered (by Courtney). It was a lovely evening that cemented that the romance goes beyond the workplace.

Now was the time to ensure that this would not mess with work life. Courtney drops the bomb that she is looking to leave within the next 6 months to a year and did not want to have an ex that she works with. Ryan responds in a logical way stating that he wouldn't be an ex if they never break up and 6 months is long enough to decide if the relationship is worth pursuing across the country.

Moving from a 700 sq ft apartment and 2,800 sq ft house into an 800 sq ft apartment in Chicago was a tall task but quite the journey. The two relived their first meeting by driving a u-haul across the country and learned what teamwork really means.

With new opportunities ahead of them, Ryan in a new office and Courtney at a new school, they both met the challenges head on while supporting each other through the struggles (ok Ryan did a lot more supporting).

The move defined their relationship of never fearing an adventure while also remembering who is supporting them.

After exploring the city with the help of old and new friends, Ryan and Courtney had a favorite spot for each of their preferred delicacies. This evening was dedicated to the divine spirit of whiskey. Ryan took a bold approach to plan a date night and booked a reservation at the Cherry Circle Room in Chicago. The two were taken to a secluded area of the cozy restaurant.

The waiter brought the drink cart over, where he normally asks if we would like a cocktail, but this time the cart had two flights of whiskey prepared. After realizing this was not a mistake, Courtney just stared at Ryan with her eyebrows raised, knowing something was happening.

Ryan realized he was caught so romantically shimmied out of the booth and dropped to one knee. Words may or may not have been said, but a ring was exchanged and smiles were abound.

The following day the newly engaged couple departed on a flight back to Dallas for the holidays and begin to plan a wedding in what would become the craziest of times..