A Homewood life of the party, loud, mischievous, the crazier the shenanigans the more likely to attempt meets South African prim and proper, quiet, details, love for learning, deep thinker. Wonder where this will go?

Natalie, likely grabbing her third cup of coffee, from the Connect Cafe at Kings Way Church as Mr. Security keeps his eye on the cafe and decides to give some coffee advice. "You should try some cinnamon in your coffee, it's pretty good." A newbie and super nervous, Natalie slings some cinnamon on top of her cup and quickly runs away. #awkward

Jackson and Natalie both attended Kings Way College so they gradually got to know one another, talking between class, or Jackson running into her class to say hi, "to his sister," during a break. In February 2021, Jackson asked for lunch or coffee and in typical Natalie fashion, "I will let you know when I have a free day." Finally, Natalie's schedule was open and she suggested a day... not realizing it was Valentine's Day. Ha. Natalie was horrified when she realized it was Valentine's Day and apologized profusely while Jackson was laughing inside. He could care less as long as he secured some time with this woman. The friend hangout was a long conversation at Taco Mama... which finally got Jackson to the first date. And where did they go?? Buc-ees, not knowing the "theory" of how all good marriages start at Buc-ees. They enjoyed their first date as a "tailgate" dinner.

Natalie headed back to Africa for two months during the summer of 2021. They go to the Hoover Dog Park to watch the stars and talk before her departure. Natalie asks Jackson what is the biggest risk he has ever taken in his life... while having deployed multiple times to the most dangerous parts of the world, Jackson determined kissing the woman in front of him was about to be the biggest risk he had ever taken. Then, he went for it!

1.5 years later, Jackson has earned his way into the annual Thanksgiving family vacation. Natalie unintentionally blocks the first proposal attempt with a learning hike at sunset. Then, they went hiking at the Dunes at Jockey Ridge State Park in Outer Banks. Jackson asks Natalie to go for a walk and in typical Jackson fashion asks about her heart. She thought he was just being kind until he pulled a ring out of his pocket and went down on one knee. He lost his prepared speech the moment he started to speak, but thankfully he remembered to ask the question... and Natalie said yes!