In our senior year of high school, fate brought us together in an unexpected way. Though we sat across the room from each other in economics class, one day someone took Audrey's seat, leaving only one open spot—right next to Kyle. Kyle, being so shy, decided to text a friend to ask for Audrey's number. But Audrey, being Audrey was the first to text him. Our first date was an early morning at IHOP, sharing pancakes and laughter before heading to school. From that moment, we became high school sweethearts. Together, we celebrated formals, cheered at hockey games, danced the night away at prom, and proudly walked across the stage at graduation. Our love story continued to unfold at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. Through the challenges of long distance, late-night hockey games, pizza delivery shifts, and the excitement of college life, we remained inseparable. Despite three major changes in four semesters, big life events, we supported each other every step of the way, our bond growing stronger and our love deeper with each passing day. We discovered new likes, dislikes, and quirks of one another, falling in love again and again.

Sunday, July 28th, 2024. We come home from one last night out before Audrey starts student teaching. It was a final bar hop in downtown Flagstaff before graduation. Kyle wakes up early for a hockey tournament, while Audrey sleeps in until she's bribed with a Chipotle burrito to get out of bed. We've had plans for weeks to go to the river one last time before Kyle starts teaching on Monday. Since we've been there thousands of times, there’s no rush to get ready. We return home after Kyle's game, change into our swimsuits, get in the Jeep, and take Highway 89 south down the canyon. Earlier in the summer, we discovered a spot in the canyon where you park on the road and take a short hike down. It's secluded and free! This time, we take a new path, walking across a bridge and past a lookout point. Audrey, eager to move along, keeps walking, knowing Kyle will catch up. We finally reach our favorite spot of the summer. There's a nice beach area to lay on, a pool of water with little waterfalls cascading from the boulders on either side, and a view of the red rock canyon walls with the sun just behind the trees. Sitting on boulders with our Chacos, eating lemon Oreos, we just chat. A normal Sunday of sitting in the sun. Audrey says, "Sundays are the best with you. I’m going to miss summer. I love our little life!" We both get up to get the cherries and something from Kyle's bag. Audrey stands on the shore, rubbing red cherry juice on her face to stain her lips. Kyle stands with his hands behind his back. Audrey laughs, knowing she looks crazy, and Kyle agrees. She thinks Kyle lied about forgetting his snorkel mask and is excited, thinking he was pranking her so they could snorkel in the pool. But Audrey soon learns it’s not a snorkel but a ring. Kyle, down on one knee, pops the question. Audrey, of course, screams yes! We end the most perfect and memorable Sunday at our trusted Texas Roadhouse. <3