First Meeting

On July 10th 2021 the stars aligned to allow two souls, both destined for and deserving of love, to finally meet. It was a hot, summer evening. Jackie was at a girls birthday dinner. Jonathan was at a concert at with a bunch of customers. Thank goodness they both were talked into going out afterwards for a bit longer to an outside club/bar at the new Resorts World Hotel. They exchanged a glance and then shared a brief conversation. Jackie made quite an impression on Jonathan and as luck would have it, the next morning he noticed online that Jackie’s dinner the night before was with mutual friends that they both shared. So as is the way in these modern times, the two became Instagram friends.

Dog Days of Summer

Nearly a year later on July 2 of 2022 Jonathan saw pictures of little poodle puppies that Jackie had posted on Instagram she was selling. And waiting nearly a whole year for an opening, Jonathan seized the opportunity to reach out and inquire. Two weeks later, on July 16th, Jonathan and Charlee went to Jackie’s house to meet the puppies and instantly fell in love with them all, but one in particular. With two compelling reasons, Charlee’s literal puppy dogs eyes and Jonathan’s growing interest in Jackie, a new member of the Novak family was all but a certainty. On July 26th, and after a two day stint in the hospital for Jonathan that couldn’t even keep him away, a tiny black poodle named Lady was adopted and went home with Charlee and Jonathan. Jackie now had her own added reasons to keep in touch…making sure this single dad takes good care of one of her poodle babies.

First “Date”

After keeping in touch nearly every day (and Jonathan being very persistent as he always is), Jackie agreed to go on a first “date” to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers with a group of Jonathan’s friends and customers. On August 6th Jonathan showed up late, per the usual, to meet Jackie and another of his friends before driving to the concert. Jackie, being gracious but also sassy as hell, let Jonathan slide without too much grief. The concert was amazing, but not as much as their first kiss was! The night was a blur after that because they both couldn’t stop talking, sharing stories, their fears, hopes and dreams with each other. They talked all through the night until they finally had to part ways.

Courtship

That was the official kick-off for what would be a 5 month courtship. The two talked on the phone and shared messages frequently, sometimes daily and some phone calls that would go on for hours. They would get together to visit with Lady, have lunch, go to hockey games, or just spend time talking and getting to know each other better. Both of them had a lot going on in their lives at the time, so this slow pace was exactly what each one needed. By the end of November, each of them started to feel more for one another. And they both opened their hearts and minds to the possibility that something really special could be in store for them.

It’s Official

On December 3rd, after talking every day for the last week and spending the prior day together, Jonathan used his powers of persuasion, and an offer to watch Pretty Woman at home, to get Jackie to come over that evening. Without too much pushback, Jackie agreed. Once Jackie arrived, it was clear that neither of them was going to let one moment pass without the other by their side for the rest of the night. And without it needing to be said, but confirmed by Jackie’s playful threats of harm to Jonathan if he strayed, the two of them were officially a couple. Neither had interest in being without the other, and they realized just how special this connection they had formed was.

I Love You

After seeing one another as much as possible, nearly every day for the last nine days, Jonathan was set to pick up Jackie for a date night on December 10th. Dinner was first, then a comedy show was next on the agenda. For a couple of days and for every moment up to this point that evening, Jonathan had been fighting back the urge to blurt out what he knew to be true in his heart, “I love you, Jackie.” But it simply could not be held in any further, life is too short not to say your truth, especially when that truth is as beautiful as Jackie Stryker. With prior assurance to Jackie that he wasn’t expecting any sort of response in return, Jonathan looked into her eyes and told her those three magic words. The rest of the night was special, fun, full of hand holding, kisses and affection. Later on, back at home while cuddled up together, Jackie expressed what she also knew to be true in her heart. She told Jonathan that she loved him, and they both were certain that this was no ordinary love. This was the love that people dream about and pray that they find one day.

First Trip – Putting Love to the Test

For Christmas 2022, the first of many that will be shared together, Jackie and Jonathan planned a romantic trip to Yountville in Napa Valley, CA. After a quick night and day in San Francisco, Jackie met Jonathan’s Dad for the first time for a coffee and a warning off of his “complicated, pain in the ass, and difficult” son. But undeterred, the two went on to spend the next few days together in Yountville and it felt like a dream for the both of them. They ate amazing food at fantastic restaurants. They went on long walks together through the streets of the quaint little town. They shared so many special moments together, making it a trip the two would always cherish, and a place the two would hold dear in their hearts. On Christmas day they left for a visit to Jonathan’s Moms’ house, then to his uncle’s house for a family get together, topping off a barrage of Novak family introductions for Jackie. And just to make sure the two would be reminded that life isn’t always easy or as perfect as planned, the trip moved into the challenge period. Jonathan grew very ill and suffered from a 103+ fever. Flights all over the country were delayed and cancelled and after waiting in line at the Sacramento Airport for 3 hours, they decided to try their luck driving to San Jose for a flight the next morning versus being delayed 4 additional days. Jackie was amazing through all of this and took such good care of Jonathan. They rented another car and Jackie took charge, driving them, Jonathan sick, moaning and growing in the passenger seat, over two and a half hours away to a hotel in San Jose. After a few hours of rest in a hotel, they arrived at the airport for their new flight the next morning. More than 8 hours of delays later and not sure if they would ever get home, the two lined up to board. Jackie was not allowed to board as she was placed on standby because they were changed to a smaller aircraft. With just enough energy to stand and speak, Jonathan in typical fashion, proceeded to cause quite a scene at the gate that thankfully persuaded the gate agents to reconsider their position. They found another seat for Jackie and finally they would make it home. Their first trip together, and one of the best trips of their lives, threatened and tested them in a way that could risk any new relationship. But they remained a team, they had loved and supported each other, and they made it through and made it home together with stronger resolve for one another than ever.

Buying a Ring

On January 6th, Jonathan knew that he and Jackie were meant to spend their lives together. He bought himself a plane ticket to California and made a day trip to visit a jeweler he knew Jackie loved. It didn’t take long to design the perfect ring for Jackie, containing her diamond and two rubies; one for her and Charlee as it is each of their birth stones. He flew back home, waited for them to send renderings, and made a decision. On January 28th he officially bought the ring and started counting the minutes until it was made, shipped and ready to give to Jackie.

Asking Permission

Jonathan knew he needed to do something important before asking Jackie for her hand, asking her Dad for his blessing. Jackie and Jonathan made a quick trip to Nebraska to see the family. They arrived and drove to Eddyville….a town of 97 people where Jackie grew up. Her Dad, Charles, woke Jonathan up bright and early their first morning there and took him for a drive to grab breakfast. After a couple hours of talking and getting to know each other better, a moment presented itself. Jonathan explained how much he loved Jackie, how happy they make each other, and that he wanted to spend his life with her as husband and wife. Charles grabbed Jonathan, pulled him in for a big hug, and graciously and happily gave his blessing.

The Big Question

With a blessing from her Dad and a ring in hand, Jonathan started planning how to ask Jackie the most important question of his life. He reached out to several of her friends from around the country, some of his friends, and booked a venue for a surprise dinner at the Aria Resort. The weekend of the secret event, Jonathan told Jackie that he had gotten them a room for the weekend and planned a romantic staycation, just the two of them. The first night after getting checked in and all ready, they went downstairs for their romantic “dinner for two”. When they arrived at the restaurant, from across the room, Jackie spotted her Dad. Then she noticed the table he was sitting at was filled with 35 other familiar faces….friends and family from all over. Tears immediately started coming down Jackie’s face as she began circling the table, hugging and embracing everyone there. Once she circled the table, she arrived back to Jonathan as he grabbed her by the hands. Holding a special box, he got down on one knee, told her how much he loved her, he couldn’t see spending life without her, and asked her to marry him. She smiled through the tears, said yes, presented her finger, and the two embraced with a kiss and the celebration began. The rest of the story is yet to be written, but one thing we know for sure, it has a happy ending. And on January 25, 2025 the two will take their vows in front of God, family and friends to love, honor and support each other for the rest of their days.