A decision to share a flight of tasty ciders was all it took to prompt a good conversation between two individuals who just hours before were strangers. That flight, turned into a walk on a beautiful sunny June afternoon, all the way to the waterfront park that overlooked the Seattle skyline; witnessing countless boats cruising, kayaks paddling away, and seaplanes taking off and landing. As we sat in the grass and chatted, we felt as familiar as two old reacquainted friends. The pleasant walk turned into a delightful dinner of sushi and wine, and most importantly, an agreed plan to hike the National Park the following day.

Just a few months into the relationship, finding it difficult to hold back the "I Love You" that yearned to emerge, it was finally spoken on the top deck of a ferry ride, returning from a fun-filled wine tour on Bainbridge Island. Among the wind and the waves, a whisper in the ear revealed the secret that could no longer be contained. From there, it became a test of self-control. The unequivocal knowledge of wanting to propose was weighing heavy on the mind for months; and on Valentines Day (cliche I know) this past February, the question was asked on a breezy afternoon while walking along the Puget Sound waterfront. An unmistakable 'YES!" was the answer with a glowing smile of approval, and at dinner that evening we could not hold back plans for our future life together.