When Charity and Mikey both started dating it took a while, both were blinded to what was in front of them the entire time. Yes, many individuals stated how the two of them should date, and how they would be perfect together they were focused on building a friendship. Anyways, Charity was asked by a mutual acquaintance if she would get Mikey a job. Now, anyone that knows Charity, would be the first to say she would not put her name on an application for anyone Not, even the amount of bonuses the company was providing could convince her. This was a huge step, and despite the reluctance, she allowed Mike to use her as a reference. In a matter of no time Charity and Mikey were best of friends. Charity, who was the Assistant General Manager at Pilot had swing shifts going into the weekends, so Mikey would get up on Saturday mornings and bring her coffee, or even during her late shifts. The days these two shared off became days spent together, and before they knew it coffee turned into late-night snack runs for sour patch kids and chicken wings with extra lemon pepper. These two were inseparable, the real kicker ... they were both seeing other people for the most part. It certainly added some jealousy to their relationships, but as hard as it is to believe it was strictly platonic. We will leave those details out ( other relationships). Fast forward, Charity moved 800 miles away, this time apart made the two of them grow even closer together. Can you guess yet? You got it, she moved back, and they realized they could not remain just friends. Charity and Mikey needed more, and the dating started. They got their first apartment together in Bridgeport, IL, and built their relationship. However, this came with a price tag, for Mikey this was a lot of first. This placed a lot of discomfort, uncertainty, and fear. These have been amazing feelings to overcome, and growing as a couple together. During this process, Charity started her journey through school again but got sick while Mikey maintained his progression at work to manage their house. Charity lost two of her grandparents and continues to deal with major health complications, but against all odds, these two have stuck together. In September 2022 Charity and Mikey decided it was best to move back toward his employer regardless of how much Charity hated it to set the groundwork for what lay ahead for them. December 2022, Mike got down on one knee and asked for Charity's hand in marriage. So here we are... Bet you want to know the details ... It's a tear-jerker!

In March of 2019, Charity lost her brother, one of two people who were/are supposed to walk Charity down the aisle. So, Mikey knew he had to incorporate Charity's brother ( Shane) into the proposal somehow. What high standards to put on yourself right? Don't worry he exceeded the expectations! Wipe your tears.... Mike and Dawn ( Charity's Mom) worked together to convince Charity to follow a family tradition she has not done since her brother passed. It was done in every way they would typically have done it together. On a cold brisk December night Mikey, Dawn, and Charity walked the few blocks to the commons in town, seeing all the bright lights. There is a large light-up ornament, in this particular light-up, Charity took her last picture ever with her brother. It was then, Mikey got down on one knee and asked Charity to marry him. Overwhelmed with joy, and happiness the ornament filled with surrounding people, but not much could come from Charity's mouth other than I love you.