Reagan and I (Lindsay) both moved to Wichita, KS in 2022. Job opportunities (and hunting opportunities for Reagan) brought us to a new state, multiple hours away from our families and the towns we grew up in. We met at church through our mutual friends, Toby and Abby. One Sunday in December, Toby and Abby asked us both to join them for lunch after church. I knew their intentions to get the two of us together and was excited about the idea. Reagan was hoping I was the "friend" who was joining them for lunch. From then until May, we saw each other briefly at church and in friend group settings. Once he had asked for my number, he was persistent in texting me often. I was impressed by the way he consistently encouraged and prayed for me. I was hopeful these texts would turn into a date at some point. Reagan was unintentionally good at building suspense. Once he finally asked me to go on a date with him, I was ecstatic. Our first date was very special to both of us. We got to know each other better and learned more about our mutual desire to love and serve the Lord well. From early on in our relationship, we knew that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. We can now see how intentional and faithful God was through the waiting and bringing us together.

Reagan and I had been planning to travel to my hometown to celebrate my nephew's birthday. I felt that this would be an awesome opportunity for us to get engaged since we would be surrounded by family for the weekend. About a week before the party, Reagan let me know that he would have to work that weekend. Of course, this seemed odd to me. He had never worked a weekend since living in Kansas and it just so happened to be a weekend when I would be home with all of my family. My hope that this would be the weekend we got engaged was quickly shot down. Reagan had sent me an email that showed he would be on call all weekend. I listened while he explained to friends and family what he would have to do at work that weekend. He had also answered all of the many questions that I had asked him with ease and certainty. These things were solid confirmation that I was not getting engaged on that particular weekend. When I got to Joplin, I expressed my disappointment to my family. I had created a narrative in my mind that this weekend would be the weekend we would get engaged and was sure it was not happening. My family's responses seemed short. They reminded me that I needed to enjoy the weekend with family and be grateful for Reagan and for what he may be planning in the future. We went on with our day and I tried to be in the moment while still wishing Reagan was there. As the party ended, my sister said she needed to return the bounce house that they had rented. She said she did not want to go alone so I volunteered to go with her. We got in the car and headed to return the bounce house. When we arrived, I was confused. We pulled up to a flower farm that I had never seen before. My initial thought was, "I am sure the owners operate a wide range of small businesses. Selling flowers, renting bounce houses- seems reasonable." As we got closer, I saw someone walking around the corner of the building, holding flowers. I glanced over to the parking lot and recognized the black truck that was parked not too far from us. I then realized who the truck belonged to and that the man with the flowers was Reagan. I was speechless. My jaw hit the floor and I was at a loss for words. I pride myself on my ability to be one step ahead of most situations. In this moment, I realized that I was nowhere near ahead of this situation. Reagan opened the car door, handed me the flowers, and asked me to walk with him. As we walked to the flower field, Reagan expressed such sweet and meaningful words explaining why he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. He led me to a beautiful spot where he had set up a blanket, candles, and flowers. This is when he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I could not have asked for a more perfect and special moment that we got to experience, just the two of us. After this special moment, we headed to celebrate our engagement at dinner. When we got to the restaurant, we were brought to a private room where many of my family and our closest friends gathered to celebrate us. We took some time to call Reagan's family and share this sweet moment with them from afar. It was so special to spend this night with people who love and support us so well. I now know that Reagan had spent the week prior to the proposal calling, texting, and meeting with my family and closest friends to make this moment so perfect. He pulled out all the stops to make sure that I was surprised, and man did he do a great job. We both would not have had it any other way. Fun fact: We took engagement pictures at the spot where we got engaged, Copper Bee Flower Farm.