We met in person for the first time in Lake Geneva on the first day of shutdown. Of course I (Abby) asked to meet at a Starbucks, because if you know me, “coffee first” is my motto. I got my coffee, but Jacob doesn’t like coffee, definite red flag. We walked around town and talked for the next four hours. It was freezing cold, but all the restaurants were closed so we just kept walking. Jacob did most of the talking, because we all know that’s what he’s best at, but that works out best for the both of us. My favorite things I noticed about him that first day are his love for God and his family, his willingness to work hard, and his open honesty about life. Everyone who knows Jacob will agree with me, these are evident qualities in his life, and only three of the many reasons I love him and can’t wait to grow old together.

I took Abby down to the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens in Rockford Illinois to show her some Christmas lights, except when we got there they hadn't put them up yet. Even without the lights up it is still a really nice place to walk around. We walked around the little pond and we were standing looking at some of the scenery. Abby said that it was cold because of the wind, so I told her to turn towards me so the wind would hit her back and not her face. When she turned around I got down on one knee and had all this nice stuff to say but I forgot it all and just said in a very nervous manor, "Will you marry me?" I couldn't even remember what I wanted to say besides those 4 words. What I didn't realize until she pointed it out was that I had the ring upside down, so we both laughed and I flipped it over and I looked up and she said "is that real?!" Then she smiled and looked at me (for what felt like an eternity) and finally said yes!