Hinge works! We met online, using the dating app. After some basic back and forth, we arranged a casual meet up at a local Kona coffee shop, HICO coffee. Rose brought her dog, Keena. The excited and nervous energy was palpable for both Rose and Forest, but they played it cool. When Rose arrived Forest was already there, sitting at an outdoor table. She picked up an iced lilikoi (passion fruit) tea and met him outside. Forest had ordered the same beverage! They connected over conversation, while Keena sat on Forest's feet. He passed her vibe check. This was a challenging time for Forest as he was processing the recent terminal diagnosis of his best good boy dog, Kimo. Rose said "Hey let's take it slow, and if you need a friend to talk to I'm here for you." They said their "see ya soon's" and parted ways. Over the next month Forest and Rose stayed in contact and went on a few dates. They let their relationship grow slowly and as friends. On February 14th, 2024 Rose and Keena went to Waimea for a nature park walk with Forest and Kimo. Rose passed Kimo's vibe check. There was a sense of ease, comfort, and home among the 4 of them. The relationship blossomed naturally. On February 22, 2024 Forest asked Rose to be boyfriend/girlfriend, and the rest is history!

Forest had it all planned out to surprise Rose with a proposal, on the top of Mauna kea. They drove up the mountain on a Friday and found it covered in a thick fog, which to Forest appeared to spoil his plans of proposing amongst a great view. The last few miles to the top of the mountain were closed, but Forest wasn't giving up so easily. They took his truck down a 4wheel drive road and parked at the trail head. The fog kept everyone away from the trail, creating a slightly ominous setting. They began the walk up the cinder cone hill as volcanic gravel crunched under their feet and the cold air gave the feeling of potential snow. The hike lost any eeriness as they progressed up the hill. Rose and Forest felt serene and peaceful walking among the clouds. When they got to the top they found a dreamlike setting created by the still foggy mountain. Forest spoke the sweetest words and got down on his knee to propose! Shortly after this, the sun came out. This created a stunning clear view of the big island landscape. Just then, a lone hiker appeared from the still foggy trail, a man carrying photography equipment. He was the perfect person to hand their phone to, and he took a great shot. (*please see photo below) Rose and Forest made their way back down the trail as many hikers were making their way up. Rose told as many people as she could "WE'RE ENGAGED!" while Forest felt very proud of himself. The fog kept their experience private and they were both grateful for the serendipitous event. They spent the rest of the night camped under the stars in a covered truck bed cold, happy, and in love. It was perfect.