Meeting

It was August 2020, and a little event called the global pandemic was happening around the world. Nadia and Colin were living their lives - working from home, staying safe but connected to their family and friends. And as single people, they did something they both dreaded - they got back on the dating apps in the hopes of finding that right person. If you've spent time on dating apps, you know the ups and downs - awkward first dates, cringey messages, people ghosting you or leaving you alone at a coffee shop. But they gave it a try... at first, with the usual demoralizing results.

And just when they were both getting fed up again, they decided to have a first date on Zoom, after talking about travel and sci fi for several weeks. That Zoom date was followed by an in-person date at a brewery, where they learned they had even more in common - a love of dogs, similar values, a mutual frustration with database administrators, and a passion for finding good music. They went on more dates, exchanged songs on Spotify, and when Nadia's first novel was published, Colin bought it right away. He normally takes over half a year to finish a book, but he read The Sentient in record time, getting to know her in the process of reading it. They lived an hour away but found ways to spend time together during a difficult, uncertain time.

Dating

One year later, Colin and Nadia moved in together. Nadia adopted a dog, Petunia, who quickly became the boss of Colin's sweet, universally loved staffie, Dunkin. They met each other's families, traveled, and thrived together. Colin's real estate business took off with a second property and Nadia published a full trilogy. There were tough times as well - the passing of beloved family members, work stress and setbacks. But they both knew it was right when they realized they were together, unified, during those tough times. They weathered those bad times together, but those were eclipsed by all the positives - adventures, making wonderful memories with their found family in Denver, and growing together as people.

The Engagement

When they went on a weekend trip to Manitou Springs in March 2023, Colin suggested a hike before grabbing lunch in town. It was a little muddy and chilly, but sure. His friend Will also came with a camera, apparently to photograph nature - not typical, but why not? Needless to say, Nadia was completely shocked when she turned around on the trail and found Colin on one knee with a ring in his hand. She so thoroughly didn't expect it that she turned back up the trail, her brain still not catching up with what her eyes were telling her. Colin had to get her attention again, still on one knee, while Will gleefully photographed away from a nearby spot.

After blinking in confusion, Nadia asked the most obvious question.

"Are you proposing to me?" she asked the man kneeling on a trail with a ring in hand.

"Yes," Colin said, ever patient. "Will you marry me?"

Hearing the words, Nadia didn't need a second to think. The last three years had told her all she needed.

"Of course."