It all started with a softball game. My friend Brittany had been begging me for weeks to come watch one of her games. At the time, I was deep in nursing school and completely focused on my studies, so I hadn’t made it out to any of them. She teased that I never made time for her — and then casually mentioned that there was a new, very attractive guy on her team. She was clearly trying to convince me, and eventually, I gave in. I told her I wasn’t going just to meet anyone, but to finally support her. When I showed up, I sat in the dugout with Brittany and some of our mutual friends. It didn’t take long for me to notice the guy she’d been talking about — Jacob. I thought he was incredibly handsome, and even though I tried chatting with him a few times, it didn’t go very far. Still, we kept stealing glances at each other throughout the game, and our friends were definitely trying to nudge us to talk more. That night after the game, I decided to message him on Instagram. I told him I was the girl in the dugout and that he’d played a great game — just a little flirty encouragement. But to my surprise, he left me on read! Of course, that didn’t stop me. I showed up to the next week’s game, determined to see him again. This time, we talked more, he showed me how to do the playbook, and before I left, I teased him for leaving me on read and told him he owed me a message back. He did — and we’ve talked every day since!

Keeping surprises has never been my strong suit—and this one was the biggest of all. Early in our relationship, Haley and I fell into a tradition we later dubbed our “date-days.” They usually began with brunch and unfolded into a full day of wandering—exploring new neighborhoods, trying new places, and soaking up time together wherever the day took us. Those date-days eventually became my perfect cover - an unsuspecting disguise for what I was really planning. Leading up to each one, Haley would try to coax details out of me. Most times I’d cave... too excited not to share what was ahead. But this time, I couldn’t. Because on April 27, 2025, I was going to ask the most wonderful and intelligent woman I had ever met to spend the rest of her life with me. Not long after we began dating, I felt it—an unshakable certainty that Haley was my person. My soulmate. God knew not only what I needed, but what I didn’t yet know I needed, and He delivered her to me in the most unexpected place: a dusty dugout at a rec league softball game. Through moving to a new state, facing real challenges, and countless late-night conversations, we always stood side by side. She became my person, and I became hers—nothing could come between us. So, back to April 27th and our date-day. We pulled into what is now one of our favorite places, Newfields. It was a perfect spring day—the sun was shining, the air was warm but not hot, and everything felt effortlessly right. And that’s where my plan ended. I had no exact location and no perfect moment mapped out—just a ring burning a hole in my pocket and the overwhelming feeling that Haley definitely knew what was coming. We walked through the museum and eventually made our way outside into the gardens. It was busy, but not crowded. I kept thinking, surely, I’ll find the spot. And then I did. We wandered past the old estate and down a small path that led to a bridge over a quiet stream. On either side, massive azalea bushes were in full bloom—vibrant pink and impossibly beautiful. No one else was around. It was perfect. As Haley paused to take in the scenery, I pulled the ring from my pocket. With my palms sweaty, knees weak, and arms heavy, I was nervous but on the surface I looked calm and ready. I dropped down to one knee and asked the most important question I have ever asked: “Haley Marie Robinette, will you marry me and spend the rest of your life with me?” Shocked, tearful, and smiling, she said "Yes".