In the summer of 2014, a soccer team was formed of homeschoolers looking to have fun (and who needed their P.E. class credit). Amongst the players were two very different individuals - extroverted, bubbly, and loud Alexis (13), and introverted, gentle, and quiet Nicholas (14). For two years, until the Swains moved in 2016, the Royals played often, laughed even more often, and constructed strong friendships that would endure a 600+ mile distance. Alexis constantly missed these beloved North Carolina friends and would visit as frequently as possible. When she would visit, she would stay with gracious and hospitable families, one being the Conners. When visiting wasn't an option, technology always was, whether it be texting, calling, or co-op gaming. Nicholas found himself to be quite smitten with Alexis, who, at this time, was not under the same impression. In January of 2019, Nicholas tried to shoot his shot and let her know how he felt! He was then met with a polite dismissal and an expedited trip straight to the friend zone. Even after this turndown, Nicholas held out hope that one day he would have his opportunity for Alexis to give him another chance. He saw the loving and caring personality and the joy of being around someone so full of energy and knew that was what he wanted. Because of that, Nicholas remained an ever-present and steadfast pillar in Alexis's life. Eventually, she came to her senses and realized what had been right in front of her, an adventurous, strong and kind man with a heart of gold. On December 31, 2020, Nicholas made his first visit to Youngstown, Ohio, and asked Alexis out on their first real date :).

NICHOLAS POV: It was 5:15 A.M. The truck was packed, the flowers were sitting in water in a vase, and (most importantly) the ring was secured in its box. Not a lot of sleep was had the night prior. By 8:30 A.M. we had crossed into Virginia and made our first of few stops. Lexi texted me around that time and I started my duty of making sure no hints were left that I wasn’t at work. By 4 P.M. traffic was encountered and texts of not wanting to go hiking are coming through. Things aren’t looking good on either side. Through God's goodness, Lexi and her sisters made it to the park with myself arriving shortly after. Other than the girls hiking, the park is empty. I find my way down to the dock and scope out the area. I text Mia to let her know I’m in position and I get a text that Lexi is going down every single trail to make sure she doesn’t miss any sights. Another 5 minutes pass and a father and son come down to fish. With me standing at the end of the dock with flowers in hand, the father inquires if I’m fishing. I proceed to tell him I am not but I will be proposing at that spot shortly. The father says he will stay on the other end of the dock then but instead lingers directly in the middle and begin their fishing. When the troop of hikers make it on the dock, they stay on the far side since they see strangers and don’t want to pass them. After a short while, Lexi notices me standing at the other end with flowers in hand. She slowly begins her walk over to where I am and I pass her the flowers. In an attempt to still process what is going on, she turns back to her sisters. At this moment, I drop to one knee and pull out the box with the ring. The fisherman is still here at this point and Lexi and I both start laughing, a mix of happiness and nervousness. Lexi asks me “Are we sure now is the time” to which I reply “Now is definitely the time” as I am already on one knee. I attempted to recite a speech I had planned, but all I could manage with my laughing was “Will you marry me?” Thankfully, Lexi agreed that now was the time and said yes!! ALEXIS POV: Mom and I had plans to grab some coffee and do some shopping before cleaning the house. Prior to that, she kindly offered to braid my hair and secured it into place with hairspray. We enjoyed our morning and then met Dad and my sisters for lunch. During our meal, Mia texted the family that we should meet her on a trail she had worked on over the Summer. Nicholas was supposed to arrive tomorrow and the house still needed to be cleaned, so I politely declined her invitation only to be met with pushback from everyone. With my heels in the ground, I stubbornly refused to go on this hike until my preparations for Nicholas were complete. The subject was dropped and we returned home where cleaning of the house has never been completed faster! At this point, I had no choice but to go on the hike with my sisters. Mill Creek's Springfield Forest was a new trail and so I wanted to traverse all of it. The final aspect was a fishing dock where I was told there were some benches so my sisters and I could sit back and relax. Once on the dock, I realized we were not alone. A man and his son were fishing, and another man was further along the structure. I was content staying on our side but the man across the way was waving me over. And surely enough, after staring for a solid 10 seconds, it was indeed Nicholas. He was supposed to be at work, not in Ohio! As we approached, I could see he was holding a bouquet of flowers. A surprise appearance and flowers led me to realize this could be the moment I had been waiting for. Lots of nervous giggling and then he did it, the thing I had been waiting for and hoping for. He dropped to one knee, and asked me to be his wife. I wholeheartedly said yes.