(Megan's POV)

I really enjoyed working out. Nothing like a great sweat to make life's problems disappear for a little while. My favorite time to go to the gym was at night because I didn't want to see anyone or for them to see me. One of the only gyms in town that you could go to was Anytime Fitness. In September of 2019, I started seeing these 2 guys working out always together and always talking to each other. They would come usually around the times that I would at night too. So I did what any normal single girl would do and kept walking by while eavesdropping on their conversations. Well, I would hear names like Lisa, Sydney, Emma, Peyton, Kenzie, Laurie etc. so I figured I didn't have a chance with the cute guy with a beard.

December 15, 2019, one of my friend's had just turned 21 and asked if I would come downtown to celebrate. We had gone to a couple bars before we decided to see who was all at Mason's in the basement. I was on the dancefloor for awhile talking to some friends and dancing when I see that cute guy from the gym walk up to the bar to order a couple drinks. I decided to shoot my shot and walked up and said, "Hey, do you know who I am?" He replied, "Oh my gosh, you're that hot girl from the gym."

After that night, we texted and snapchatted all the time. He eventually took me on our first date to Olive Garden where the waitress thought he was a hockey player for the Blackhawks due to him being in Blackhawk gear. She almost asked for his autograph. All in all, OG will hold a special place in our hearts.

January 1, 2020, Matt officially asked me to be his girlfriend and little did we know how much would change that year. We met each other's family in February and I started getting acquainted with Sherrill as a whole. Then March hit with COVID. I lived in an apartment by myself so the Deckers asked if I wanted to come stay with them which of course I said yes.

Matt was still working through his apprenticeship and I still had multiple jobs but we made time for so many things. We have had many friends and family members get married. Matt and I have taken 4 trips, gone to at least 20 concerts, had many nieces and nephews added to the family, and just enjoyed those highs and lows of life together.

Matt finished his apprenticeship in May of 2023. We had my brother's wedding in August in North Carolina and I told him he was not allowed to propose until afterwards.

October 22, 2023, we had Decker family photos with the amazing KLS Photography. Kari wanted some individual couple photos with Matt and I. She was really trying to direct him and finally after the 3rd try, Matt got on one knee and pulled a beautiful oval cut out of his sock. Then he asked me if I would marry him. And I sure will on November 29, 2024.

Ask Matthew Decker...