On January 7th, 2024, we met at our church, marking the first Sunday of the year. Zach had returned to Illinois four days prior after living in three different states over the past eight years.

Over the next month, we exchanged brief conversations after church. At the end of January, during a hot chocolate social, we finally had the chance to talk more extensively. For an hour, we enjoyed our hot chocolate and desserts. As we said goodbye, Zach asked me for my number. I had been hoping he would ask, so I happily gave it to him.

By Wednesday of that same week, Zach asked me to go on our first date on Friday, February 2nd. He took me to the bowling alley and for ice cream. The rest, as they say, is history!

On September 21, 2024, we planned a Saturday outing, and Zach suggested hiking at Walnut Point State Park, a favorite spot of ours just 15 minutes from his house. We spent an hour exploring the trails before arriving at a scenic overlook by the lake. As we sat on a bench, taking in the view, the moment felt perfect. We soon stood up and moved closer to the water.

Zach gently took my hands in his and, with a soft smile, said there was something he had been meaning to ask me. In that instant, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a ring, and dropped to one knee.

"Will you marry me?" he asked.

Surprised and filled with joy, I said yes! Tears welled up in our eyes as the moment sank in. Zach, with a grin, asked if I liked the ring. Laughing through happy tears, I replied, “I can’t even see it yet—but that doesn’t matter. I love it!”