I had recently moved from California back to Iowa, and shortly after, the Covid Pandemic began. In spite of the new and evolving situation, fate decided that it was still to be that Ryne and I would meet. I think the journey to each other was sweeter because it took us so long to find each other, and when we finally met in person, there was an instant connection. After many dates, walks by the Mississippi, hiking, movies, late night conversations about life, and of course wonderful times spent in The Amana Colonies, we both felt that this other person is someone special. Like anything worth having, nothing good comes without time, patience, and effort, and I'm so glad we both persevered and found each other! ~Cheyenne

On a vacation to North Carolina, after several days, we went to visit the Biltmore House. In the morning, we were exploring the Gardens and Grounds. Cheyenne's intuition had apparently told her that this was a special day (my telling her to wear a nice dress for that day probably tipped my hand a bit). Patience was not a factor as she attempted to discretely pat down my pockets to check for a ring (to no avail as I'd hidden it well). As we walked through the greenhouses, we meandered our way through the main garden until we arrived near one of the beautiful diamond-patterned flower beds. As she was looking at the flowers, I asked her to turn around, and, well, the rest is history. ~Ryne