It was 2012 and John, who was a Financial Branch Manager at the time, was in need of help due to staff shortage. He requested assistance from a neighboring branch manager to send over a banker, and, lo and behold, John met Rí for the very first time. Rí made quite an impression on John with her work ethics, and because of their work chemistry, they became friends shortly thereafter. It would be many years later, under an unfortunate happenstance, that these two realized they mean more to each other than just being friends. John decided to romantically pursue Rí in 2019, but Rí was focused on other aspects of her life which included her daughter and a newly found career. But John's persistence was unwavering and Rí would eventually succumb to his charming wit many months later...

It was a warm October day, John and Rí were out for their nightly walk along the shores of the Pacifica cliffs. As they were nearing a ledge, John mischievously feigned ill and pulled Rí alongside a bench that overlooked the Pacific Ocean. Tantalized by the glimmering water and warmth of the sunset, Rí took a moment to admire the view as the cool wind gently kissed her cheeks, she thought to herself, "how perfect." Rí then became distracted when she heard John ruffling through his jacket, she immediately took notice in his change in demeanor when he nervously gifted her a lottery scratcher. Despite the rarity, Rí happily obliged and accepted the gift, she began scraping away at the ticket and scratch by scratch, she noticed something unfamiliar with the scratcher. In disbelief, she scratched the whole coating clean off! "Will you marry me?" it said. Rí turned to John and there he was on one knee presenting the ring of her dreams. Rí happily accepted the proposal on this perfect day.