Maddie and Caitlin moved in together. We first met in person after agreeing to be roommates in Durham, NC as we attended Duke's Doctor of Physical Therapy program. We had no idea that we would be "roommates" for the rest of our lives.

In August 2020, we took a trip to Blue Ridge, GA and then on to the Great Smoky Mountains. On Monday 8/24/20, we hiked to Shuckstack Fire Tower along the Appalachian Trail. The hike was very steep, and it was pretty humid so we stopped often, laughing at ourselves between a mix of heavy breathing and silly songs to deter bears. Finally we got to the top! As Caitlin was looking around at the breathtaking views, Maddie knelt behind her and popped the question. Only after did Caitlin realize just how perfect this proposal was: Maddie had planned this hike to be in North Carolina- the state we had met in 6 years before. The one place we had cell service the whole hike was on the top of the tower, so we Facetimed our families to share the news as we shared a bottle of sparkling wine Maddie had kept cold during the hike.