Let’s get weird!!

After our mutual friend Alexa decided we should meet (and with two failed happy hour meet-ups), we finally had a date set at Kenny’s Woodfired Grill. We talked about all of the things you aren’t supposed to on a first date : • politics • religion • social issues Jake at one point told Karalee “listen, I’m not here to mess around. I want a family, so if this works I’m going to progress it along quickly”. Boy was he serious about that. Most people that know Karalee know a statement like that would typically make her want to vomit and run for the hills, but she was game. Neither one of us wanted the night to end so we moved over to Addison Ice House to grab a few beverages with Gabe and Meaghan Kaler.

Jake always said he wouldn't propose until he had met Karalee's parents, Rjay & Danette, at least twice because he did not want to ask for their permission the first time he met them. After some convincing from Jake's mother Kelly, he decided to redefine what "meeting twice" meant. Karalee took Jake back to her parents house in Meade, Kansas for the first time after deciding that he was worthy & wouldn't embarrass her. They picked up Karalee's twin sister KeAnne and headed home. Little did Karalee know, she was in on the surprise. Once home & after the awkward introductions, Danette decided that she needed to go to the grocery store & KeAnne saw it as an opportunity to get Karalee away from the house. While K&K were at the store, Jake finally summoned the courage to ask. He was very nervous but pleasantly surprised with how much Rjay appreciated the gesture. The next morning, with the ring in his pocket, Jake tried to convince Karalee to go on a morning run so he could propose to her then. With what appeared to be an impending rain cloud from hell, Karalee was not taking the bait but finally conceded after Jake used some reverse psychology. Knowing Jake isn't a long distance runner, Karalee hit the 2 mile mark & asked Jake if he was ready to turn around. He asked about running to the park before heading back home, Karalee was a little concerned & asked if he was okay because it would tack on an extra mile. Jake convincingly agreed to it (although he complained about some tightness in his knee) so off they went. At the park, Karalee was deep into running mode with her headphones in & didn't realize Jake had stopped running because "something popped in his knee". He appeared to be grimacing in pain & Karalee was really concerned. She helped walk him towards a spot on the grass where he got down on a knee & kept up the show. Karalee was busy reaching in her pocket for her phone to call her dad when he said "Karalee my knee is fine" & presented the ring!