Although McCain and I grew up in the same small town, our paths never truly crossed until the fateful day of Sunday, September 22nd, at a dove hunt. We had heard of each other, but we had never really talked or gotten to know one another. That day changed everything. Two days later, McCain made the drive to Tuscaloosa for our first date, and from that moment on, we were inseparable.

As we spent more time together, it became clear that we shared so many of the same passions—playing golf, being outdoors, and of course, hunting. Life seemed to fall into place effortlessly, and we cherished every moment spent exploring the things we loved together.

Fast forward to December 13th, when McCain set out and bought the ring. But as he tells it, he needed a little extra time to work up the courage to ask my dad for his blessing. He was a little scared my dad would think he’d lost his mind because everything felt so soon. Still, he worked up the courage to ask for my dad’s blessing.

And on March 14th, McCain finally asked me to marry him, and of course, I said yes! We’re overjoyed to start this next chapter together and can’t wait to celebrate our love with all of you.