Kristen was on her way to meet Katie for a girl's trip in Kansas City. Alan was on his way home to Monument from a customer meeting. In typical Alan fashion, he was making friends at the airport bar in the Phoenix airport. Kristen bellied up to that same bar just one seat away. Kristen overheard Alan and immediately recognized his voice and knew it was him after he mentioned "Oracle" a few times. After making "formal" introductions, a spark was made. Kristen and Alan were disappointed when it was time for Kristen's departure...and then Mother Nature stepped in creating a haboob that descended on the city, shutting the airport down. Over four hours later, enjoying cocktails and making more friends, Kristen laid a big kiss on Alan as he had to catch his flight home. Needless to say the kiss was a shock and revelation to both of them!

While on Katie and Kristen's girl trip, Kristen thought it would be fun to try on Wedding dresses with Katie as she stated "I am never getting married so let's do this!". Kristen had to make up a Fiance for the Bridal Salon staff. And who might that fictitious character be? A gentleman named Alan Shook, who lives in Colorado, with a teenage son, who she met during a sandstorm at the Phoenix airport. Katie knew this story was too detailed to not be real - eyebrows were raised.

From August until January Alan really made a thoughtful effort to reach out and build a foundation of a strong friendship. In January, Kristen woke up from her "grief fog" and realized she was ready for a relationship. They both knew they were starting to have deeper feelings for each other. In March, Alan was the first person Kristen chose to share the good news about accepting an offer at ServiceNow. Alan also had some good news of his own having just accepted an offer at Icertis. As they spoke that night, Kristen asked Alan, " Are you ever going to ask me out?" Alan responded, "What do you think I have been trying to do!". : )

Even before their first official date, Kristen asked Alan on adventures! In their first year of dating, they had such fun exploring New York City, Paris, Mons, Deauville, Honflour and more! There were lots of back and forth on business trips to Monument and Costa Mesa. This gave Alan and Kristen the knowledge that they can travel well together. It also helped build a solid foundation in communication when they were apart.

When the pandemic became even more serious, Kristen packed up her car, grabbed Henri and hit the road to quarantine in Monument. Alan and Kristen learned that as social as they both are, they were able to survive being together 24 hours 7 days a week with just them, Alex and very limited social time with others. Recognizing they were simply having fun cooking, binging TV shows and playing games Kristen asked...."Is this what it is like being Married?". Alan quickly responded, "No, this is much worse. We can't leave!!". And they shared a huge laugh!!

A 77th Birthday Celebration for "Grandpa" (Pat) and an Easter dinner was planned for the Shook family. Alan told no one but Alex, the evening of, that he was planning on proposing to Kristen as dinner came to an end. Alan had the server bring Limoncello to the adults under the guise of making a toast for Pat's 77th. He waved Kristen over to help with the toast and immediately dropped to one knee. Realizing what was happening, Kristen blurted out "YES, YES I WILL". Alan responded "I do have some nice words I would like to share..." and after laughter, he spoke about family, how Kristen is already considered family and asked if she would spend the rest of her life with him. In which Kristen blurted out again in tears, "YES, YES I WILL".