Rachael was 100% convinced that the dating universe had it out for her. She was cute, funny, and full of life, but she always left dates feeling like they had more fun than she did. And of course they did because SHE WAS THE FUN ONE! If you have been privy to all the shenanigans of Rachael’s dating stories, you know it was one heck of a ride.

Jake had an equally tumultuous dating history. He was just about to give up on dating and become a priest (his words).

But then, enter Rachael…

Here was this incredibly cute, extroverted, and bubbly girl who was just looking for love. And here was this handsome and introverted guy who had had his fair share of let downs.

Jake, who was about to delete his dating apps, thought, “Eh, what’s the worst that could happen?”

Well, as it turns out, the best thing happened. Jake found his person, and Rachael found a smart, sarcastic, super caring, generous, and loving man to call hers forever!

On their first date (eating Rachael’s favorite Thai food), they talked, laughed, shared, and were both encouraged by the end.

Rachael thought, “Wow, the way he laughs with his whole body is really cute and he has kind eyes.”

Jake thought, “At least she doesn’t have a giant wart on her nose and a lazy eye,” as he had a flashback to a prior dating experience.

The next date was also dinner out, and Jake found himself confused by Rachael’s level of friendliness and spunk. Jake summarized the date to a friend: “I think she likes me, but she was also really nice to the waiter, so I’m not really sure.” Rachael, who was putting out all the hints and associated body language, thought, “Wow! I wonder if he even likes me?”

The following weekend Rachael went to Atlanta to teach a physical therapy course to baby PTs. Since Rachael was going to be out of town, Jake offered to FaceTime her while away.

“Ohhh, okay…I think he DOES like me if he wants to FaceTime with half a country between us,” Rachael thought.

And it was true: Jake did like her!

He liked her so much so that he wanted to FaceTime her again the next day for a dinner date, and he even paid for it! It was at this point that both of our digital-aged swipers knew that this was going somewhere.

Jake and Rachael continued to go on dates a couple times a week until Jake fell ill the week of July 4th. On July 2nd, they went to iPic to see a movie, and immediately after the credits, Jake made a dash for the door and practically left Rachael high and dry. Little did she know, he was feeling terrible.

Jake’s incredibly smart mother even told him, “You make sure Rachael knows you weren’t trying to blow her off!”

Despite being a medical case study, Jake managed to summon the energy to visit Rachael at her house on July 4th. Rachael had no clue that Jake was still feeling ill after their previous date.

Two days later, Rachael came to know how ill Jake actually was. She kindly offered to come bring him soup at his house.

On that very day, as Jake was dying on his couch and as Rachael was actively trying not to catch this epidemic-starting virus, they officially started their beautiful love story.

After that, they met each other’s friends, family, and had lots of memories to share as their amazing love story began. They spent Labor Day weekend with his family at his parent’s lake house, they spent Thanksgiving with her family in Lake Jackson, and they went back to Snyder to spend Christmas with the Strickland clan.

Everyone, except oblivious Rachael, knew that these two were destined to be with each other forever. In fact, after telling her uncle about her time with Jake, Rachael’s uncle exclaimed,

“Wow, he really likes you, I mean, REALLY likes you.” Really, everyone knew except Rachael!

Following the hustle and bustle of the holidays, Jake started planning a beach vacation with Rachael, his parents, and her mom to Cancun.

On March 26th, as soon as they arrived at the resort, Jake said, “Let me show you around.”

Unsuspecting Rachael blindly followed Jake around while taking videos of the scenery. She completely missed the GIANT proposal in the sand. It wasn’t until Jake said, “Look at the beach,” and she saw, “Will you marry me, Rachael?” written in seaweed.

They rode off into the sunset and had a happily ever after!

The End!

(Or, really, it’s just the beginning!)