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!”