"...it was always you."

Our story starts September 14, 2017: Travis screamed his name in my ear at a Dan+Shay concert, introducing himself and leaving quite the lasting impression. Fast forward eight months later to St. Patrick's Day 2018: over a 30 pack and darts, I convinced Travis to let me (basically a total stranger) move in with him. Let's preface: I had a creepy neighbor and he had an extra room (makes sense, right?!). Three days later, I moved in with him! Over a couple months, similar music and movie tastes, similar schedules and similar pasts, a lot of beer, and a whole lot more Dominos pizza, Travis became my best friend. And my best friend became the love of my life--the man I would have waited my whole life for, regardless, but I just so happened to be lucky enough to find him sooner rather than later! Dayton, Ohio... who knew?! - Rachel

I decided it would be both romantic and a surprise if I proposed on April 14th--Sunday night after Rachel got back with softball from Philly. Rachel texted me at 10:30pm letting me know that they were 30 minutes out, and I began setting up. I had 50 candles lit so that the apartments light was fully lit by candles, our favorite song playing in the background. On the stairs leading up to the apartment, I placed a card/gift on each step. Rachel was required to read each card/gift to move on to the next step, and I would be waiting around the corner to propose. About 5 minutes after I finished setting up I got a text, "so... our bus broke down." I do not find it appropriate to repeat my exact response out loud but, nevertheless, I was in disbelief! So after a few longnecks, several texts asking "are you coming yet?," the candles nearly burning out, hearing the same song play 50 times (don't know why I didn't just pause it), and tons of pacing around... Rachel was finally on her way home. I sat at the window staring out like a puppy for her car to pull up and when it did, my heart was POUNDING. I heard the keys in the door and she came in and saw the gifts and cards. She followed the steps all the way up the stairs and turned the corner to find me waiting there. So on Monday April 15th 2019 at 1:30am, after waiting an extra 3 hours, I asked my best friend to marry me. - Travis