Back in college, Kristina worked in a little spice shop in Encinitas. On a day that the surf must've been bad, Ryan stepped inside that little spice shop and asked Kristina to borrow a pen to use at the ATM that was right outside the door. Never missing an opportunity to make a sale, Kristina convinced Ryan to buy some pepper while he was in there. Ryan happily obliged and then quickly left.

Unbeknownst to Kristina, Ryan had gotten in his car after leaving and drove down the 101 for a couple miles before deciding to make a u-turn. Returning to the spice shop about 20 minutes later, Ryan claimed that he needed salt to go with his pepper. This is when Kristina knew...this man did not need any salt for his pepper.

Kristina's phone number cost Ryan $17.34.

If you must know, Ryan offered to cook Kristina dinner. He had decided to impress her with nothing but...fish and onions.

Yes. Fish and onions.

When Ryan offered to cook for her again on their second date, Kristina had another idea: "...or you can take me out?!"

Wine Steals in Cardiff it was.

After dating for a year, it was time for Ryan to take the next big step: meeting Kristina’s seven-year-old daughter, Loreli.

Let’s set the scene.

Minature golf. Loreli first to tee off. Hole in one.

Without any hesitation, Loreli turns to Ryan and looks into the depths of his soul and says, “Your turn.”

This pretty much set the tone for the next 9 years.

Park Rapids, Minnesota. 2019.

Yes - four years ago.

The day before Thanksgiving.

With the blessing of the semi-pro mini golfer (as well as Kristina's dad) and dressed in his finest camouflage, Ryan finally bent the knee outside in the snow on Big Sand Lake surrounded by family.