Hello to our friends and family! This is Melissa here, and I wanted to share Nick and I's story for those of you who don't know exactly how we met! Nick and I met (virtually) on October 11, 2019 on Bumble. He liked my profile first, then I saw his nicely manicured beard and decided to get to know him. We talked via phone for about 2 weeks, and then finally went out! **Fun fact: I almost bailed on him because I was so busy with work, school, Luke, and a power outage caused by a tornado! I am very happy that I decided to go!**

On October 23, 2019, we had our first date at Gloria's on the Harbor in Rockwall, Texas. When I walked up, Nick was standing outside in boots, blue jeans, and a nice black button up shirt. I could see his blue eyes from a mile away, and I was pretty smitten! To top it all off, he pulled out an Aggie keychain, which pretty much sealed the deal haha. We had the best dinner, which included delicious Mexican food, drinks, and a lot of laughs. Before we left, we walked down to the pier and kissed. At that point, I think we both knew we really liked each other! Everything was so effortless with Nick and it felt right...he felt like home. Before leaving to go back home, Nick pulled out this C H E E S Y pick up line from his pick-line vault...yall it was terrible, but so funny. Ask him about it :) haha

On November 15th, we went to the dinner/arcade and introduced our children to each other! We had so much fun, and Luke really took to Aubrey and Nick. As we walked outside to leave, Nick asked me to be his girlfriend and I gladly said "Yes!" The next three months were amazing. We met each other's friends and family. We took our first road trip to Houston and survived 3 hours in the car together (barely...because his driving...wow). We celebrated our first Thanksgiving (separately) together, but still wonderful. We celebrated our first Christmas together; our first New Years Eve; our first Valentine's Day. All of these moments were chances for us to build memories and create new traditions. We learned about each other and grew closer as a couple through laughing, crying, fighting, apologizing, singing, dancing, and accepting each others difference and quirks. We grew more in love and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Valentine's Day weekend...exactly 3 months after Nick and I *officially* started dating...would be the best weekend of our relationship thus far! Nick had a fun trip planned and little did I know I would come home with a fiance! The weekend was filled with a Gary Allan concert, wine tasting, pizza eating, and lots of relaxing...but there was a small surprise! On February 15th, Nick and I went to the 4R Winery and had some really great wine. Right before we were getting to leave, we went to go take a picture outside. Nick got the bartender to take our picture, but she was actually recording! Nick looked at me, kissed me, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him. Obviously, I said YES! I couldn't have imagined a better day or proposal. Nick topped it all off with a surprise engagement party with my closet friends and family :) Nick and I are very excited for this next chapter in our life. We cannot wait to celebrate this magical day with our closest friends and family. We love all of you for your love and support of our relationship...it means more to us than you know!