We first met online on Bumble when Heather swiped right for the last time... We messaged back and forth getting to know each other and soon David asked me out on a dinner date to a Mexican restaurant...since I was deep in working on my American Eagle order, I had to postpone the date for about 10 days (in online dating, that's an eternity). In the meantime, we texted each other our favorite deep cut jams from the 90's, and David's thoughtfulness and patience continued to impress me. When we finally had our first date, the connection was undeniable. We talked all night and just when we thought the night couldn't get any better, the waitress brought over 2 tequila shots for us from "the Quadpod" (David's friend crew)...we looked around and suddenly two of David's friends popped out and surprised us with a date crashing! After talking with them a bit, it was closing time at the restaurant, so David and I left to watch a few episodes of Stranger Things at his house before I drove back to Oelwein. That night was the last "First Date" for both of us.

It was on the best vacation of my life. We took a week-long vacation to Miami beach, a place I had never been before. We packed a cooler full of food and drinks, a skillet, and a George Foreman grill so we could cook in our hotel room and avoid contact with anyone. Little did Heather know, I had packed something else very special in my suitcase. Tucked into the corner of the suitcase, wrapped in a sock, in a little black box with the words "Together Forever" written on top, was an engagement ring. I had wanted to propose for quite some time, but I wanted it to be special. I wanted it to be on Heather's favorite place: the beach. I just had to figure out how to possibly surprise her! How could I sneak the ring out of my suitcase, and then in my pocket, and then how, and where, and what do I say!? The first night we were in Miami we went for a walk along the beach. Heather thought it was just a little innocent walk. She did not realize this walk for me was a full blown reconnaissance mission. I got some ideas together from the walk and just had to wait for the right time. It was our 3rd night of vacation. After a day of swimming and hanging in the sun we went back in to the hotel at sunset to change, and then I suggested we go for a walk. While Heather was getting changed, I quickly slipped the ring box into my pocket without Heather noticing. We walked back to the boardwalk to a little pathway that led out to beach. It was dark but with a brightly lit moon shining over the ocean. The moonlight was like sparkles on the waves. There was no one else around. As I stood there with Heather and I looked into her eyes I told her I knew I wanted to be with her forever, for really reals. Yes, I really said "for really reals." I got down on one knee, Heather squeaked, dropped her drink, and I said "Heather Caye, will you marry me?" And, without even looking at her mermaid tail ring, made just as unique and as beautiful as her, she said "YES!!! "