Whitney and I met online in the fall of 2021. After exchanging messages for several days and generally hitting it off, life got in the way. As work and other demands settled down, I realized I needed to reach out to her. In an age of "ghosting", I wasn't sure how an apology would be received. Everything Hinge-ed on that moment. Lucky for me, she accepted my apology and we continued talking. I still get the occasional: "aren't you glad you apologized?" jokes! We spoke through text and eventually FaceTime as weeks turned into months. After all, who knew that finishing a Master's program, working, and buying a house would keep one so busy! That is Whitney, though, hardworking and ambitious as well as so many other great qualities. Eventually, Whitney met me in person outside of a basketball game I had to cover and she delivered a heart-warming card. We would later go on our first date to a comedy show at the Funny Bone. The rest is history! I knew early on that I intended to marry Whitney. She lights up every room she enters, treats others with kindness (minus the occasional "minor road rage"), and is a genuine joy to be around. With that in mind, I set about planning my proposal. I set up a "scavenger hunt/escape room" to memorable locations throughout our relationship: where we first met, the overlook where I first realized I would marry Whitney, and other locations. This was all scheduled for New Year's Eve (We mark New Year's Eve 2021 as our anniversary as it was the first day that we FaceTimed). We were set for the scavenger hunt, a nice steak dinner after the proposal, and an unforgettable New Year's story. I just needed a cover story. Whitney had mentioned doing an escape room on New Year's day, then dinner. So I interjected that I would book it all for us. I had almost pulled off this great surprise. When discussing when we needed to leave the next day, I told her a time earlier than she was expecting, though I thought she was none the wiser. I took the dogs out, Whitney went and texted her friends: "B is acting weird; I think he is going to propose tomorrow". So close! Still, it was the perfect day and a moment we will never forget. Now, we are planning another unforgettable day: our wedding day! We are so grateful for the people in our lives and cannot wait to share this special day with each of you! Two dogs, a house, Master's and Doctoral programs later, we are looking forward to saying: "I do!" Not bad, for a love story beginning with an apology!