After nearly a decade together (and more “this could be it!” moments than Chloe will admit), we both knew a proposal was coming — the only mystery was when. John, of course, took full advantage with some very convincing fake-outs: Banff in December 2024? Nope. Yosemite in March 2025? Wrong again. Seattle in April? Finally, the real deal. Seattle was extra special because it meant celebrating with the future brother-in-law, Stan, and his girlfriend, Jenna. John planned a simple hike to Rattlesnake Lake — romantic, thoughtful, foolproof. Except for one small detail: the Pacific Northwest rain. By the time we arrived, it was pouring. Chloe, ever practical, suggested waiting it out at a coffee shop. John, with the subtlety of a man hiding an engagement ring and a photographer waiting at the lake, insisted we hike anyway. So off we went, trudging through the drizzle. And then — as if on cue — the clouds parted just as John got down on one knee. The sun literally broke through at that exact moment. We both blacked out in the joy of it all, but somehow managed to say yes through the tears and laughter. It was imperfectly perfect: a little rain, a lot of love, family by our side, and just enough comedy to be unmistakably us.