Nathan got there before me and was already placing our order when I walked in. He was so gracious - not even liking coffee, but agreeing to meet there anyway. He ordered me a chai and himself a black and white mocha.

I felt awkward and unsure about what to say and suddenly very aware that I had hands. But none of that mattered to him- he was cool, calm and collected. So, once I got out of my own way, I realized the worst that could happen was I get a free chai tea and spend an hour talking to this guy, and go on my way. But as you've since guessed that isn't where our story stopped. We left there feeling encouraged, hopeful and excited to see if this was something God was calling us to.

Our second date was also low key - we met at Shari's for milkshakes and pie. Looking back I dont remember what we talked about that night, I just know we laughed. A lot. For anyone that has known me (Pashley) for any length of time, you know that laughter is one of my love languages. So for Nathan to be sitting across the table from me sipping on a milkshake a week after we'd started talking and making me laugh like this, I knew then that something was special about him.

Our conversation never lagged or felt as though we had to force the space to be filled. It was comfortable from the very start.

We paid and left, but lingered in the parking lot. Neither of us wanting to leave, but unsure about what else to do at the late hour. So, Nathan tried to teach me to tango. Let's just say that it didn't go quite as expected (well, actually...it did).

After more laughs, 'getting to know you' questions, and plans for what to do for our next date, the night ended with a kiss.

I've always loved watching the sun rise and set. Watching God begin and end the day with His light brings me so much joy. So for our third date we decided to go up to a Mt. Tabor viewpoint to watch the sunset.

We arrived about an hour or so beforehand, and walked around the 360 degree lookout to see different parts of the city at dusk. It was beautiful and so romantic.

Over the course of the next few months, we spent much more time together, sharing life. Lots of deep conversations, talks about the future, date nights and gif contests, we were having the best time. Everything felt light hearted and fun. Serious when it needed to be, but still was never forced or like we had to try too hard to make this work. We had talked early on in our relationship about our intentions, and both had agreed we did not want to date just to date. Finding ourselves on the same page, we agreed to simply be open and honest with each other and see where God was taking us. We wanted this to work, but also trusted that His plans are greater than our own.

When Nathan invited me to be his +1 at his friends wedding that Fall, I felt a shift in our relationship. It was a tangible way he was showing me he was serious about us. He'd always been "in" but something changed in me. Perhaps it was confirmation I didn't know I needed. He was making future plans and desired me by his side, and it gave me ALL the feels.

Looking back, I think that's when I first fell in love with him. It wasn't just a single moment like in a rom-coms. It was better; it was slow and steady with purpose and intention. We had the Lord. Directing and guiding our steps as we sought after Him, He allowed us to seek one another. We took our time getting to know each other, laying the groundwork and building a proper foundation, understanding that it wasn't something to be rushed. (Something I recognize now, and would gladly go back and tell my sometimes impatient self).

In early November, Nathan had come over for dinner as he had done many times before. Whatever show we'd been watching had just finished, and I remember looking over at him and quietly said the words "I love you." Saying those words to him felt so simple, so necessary so right. And without missing a beat, he looked back at me and said

"I love you too."

2023...it was a good year for us. Everything from beach trips in hot dog shirts to birthdays, holidays and our one year dating anniversary -lots of life was lived.

While there was not any one particular moment that made the year stand out on it's own, we've decided this year was about the collection of moments.

Here are a few of our favorite memories together:

I was able to finally move into my own place. God opened so many doors SO quickly to make that happen, it was some 'spiritual whiplash' type of fast. Nathan helped me move and get settled into the place we will soon get to call home, together.

Part of my birthday present was tickets to a Zach Williams concert. And it was one of the best shows I've ever been to. Definitely did not disappoint.

We took a long weekend to Newport, OR. where we had an ocean view room. We laughed, we cried and had an all around amazing time together just the two of us.

My parents had come down to spend some time with me, and thankfully we were able to squeeze in a lunch with Nathan. As we were enjoying our meal, seemingly out of nowhere, Nathan says to my parents "so, you know I love your daughter...we've been dating a while now, and I would like to ask for your blessing to propose to her sometime in the near future." Stunned was the only thing I could think.

Armed with the idea that he is now thinking about an engagement, it was difficult to not wonder when and where he planned to propose. I wanted to be surprised, but it was hard!

We weren't able to see each other on my actual birthday, so Nathan had planned to come over the weekend after to take me to dinner and celebrate. I finished getting ready shortly after he got to my house, and we went and had burgers and fries. My favorite. He asked about dessert, so we stopped and got ice cream on the way back. It was the perfect after dinner, watch a movie snack. Or...that's how the evening was going to go.

We got settled in back at my house, and he turns to me and asks if I want to open presents or eat dessert first. I laugh and said something along the lines of "eat my ice cream, duh." So, we turned on the anime we had been watching, finished dessert and a whole 30 minutes later I told him we could do presents now. I opened the two gifts on the table, and thanked him for his generosity. He smirked and told me there was one more present, but I needed to go to my room first.

So, feeling like a kid in time out I walked to the back of my house and wait until I'm told I can come out. In this time, I hear the front door open and close and tons of crinkling plastic. I just laugh to myself, confused but amused and continue scrolling Instagram reels.

10 minutes later I hear "you can come out now" being called from the other room. So, I saunter out into the dark...he had turned out the lights... I walk around the corner into the living room and there were flameless tea light candles everywhere. Bruno Mars' song "Marry You" was playing, and there in front of me was the man of my prayers, with a beautiful bouquet of roses and a jewelry box.

He looks at me with the most precious eyes, hands me the flowers and tells me he loves me so much. And through the the last year and a half and in to forever there is no one else he would rather have by his side.

He then asks me to pull the ribbon on the box to open it. I do, and pours out a ring box. I'm shocked and shaking at this point, as I watch Nathan get on one knee, and asks me if I will make him the happiest man alive, and marry him.

Never in my life have I ever not had any words. Ever. Except and until this very moment. The one moment that mattered most...nothing. I just shook my head yes, through tears and with a huge smile on my face. He stood back up, put the ring on my finger, kissed me gave me the biggest hug. Realizing I never actually verbalized the 'yes' he asked "that's a yes, right?" with a laugh, I look up at him, back down to my finger and back up to him again and say "YES!"