Gus & Grace first met in high school their freshman year during marching band practices where they became friends, and their connection deepened in Spanish class throughout that year. The two became close friends during their high school years both inside and outside the classroom; they have fond memories of dances together, Friday night football games, marching band competitions, and hanging out with their friends. Although they were close, they never dated one another and often referred to and treated each other as siblings. However, by senior year, Gus’ younger brother Max had jokingly dubbed Grace “his future sister-in-law.” The summer before Gus & Grace prepared to go on separate paths for college, with Gus going to UMKC in Kansas City, Missouri and Grace going Truman State in Kirksville, Missouri, the two hung out often – going to the movies, getting sweet treats, and visiting each other at their summer jobs. The night before Grace left home for college, Gus & Grace hung out to get snow cones and say their goodbyes, and as emotions were high and curfews were short, they shared their first kiss. The next morning, Gus got up bright and early and drove over to Grace’s house before she left for school. The two went to Bread Co. to talk in private – away from Grace’s dad who was trying to pack the car and leave – about the kiss. While at Bread Co., the two decided to remain just friends, which lasted until about November when the two became official after visiting each other multiple times at each other’s schools and back home. Gus & Grace dated long distance until Grace graduated school and moved to Kansas City, Missouri, to be with Gus while he finished school. The summer after Gus graduated from medical school, Gus & Grace began to talk about getting engaged and even looked at rings. Without Grace’s knowledge, Gus bought a ring and began to plan an elaborate proposal. The two would come home from Little Rock, Arkansas, for the weekend and go to a winery to catch up with their families and Gus would propose to Grace with all their loved ones nearby. A few days before Gus & Grace left for the weekend Gus sent out a mass text to everyone who was a part of his grand plan– and accidentally included Grace in the text chain. That day, the two were working in the same hospital building and when Gus realized his error, he began running to Grace’s unit trying to stop her from reading the text. Unfortunately, Grace had seen the text immediately and texted Gus, “I saw it.” It’s funny now, but at the time Gus did NOT find it very funny. He decided to still propose that weekend but did it the night they got back home in his parents backyard – all beautifully decorated– and spent the time at the winery as a celebration of their engagement. Since then, the two have moved again, started new jobs, explored beautiful places, met amazing people, adopted their dog (Petey), and continued to build their lives together.