At some point in our sophomore or junior year at Marquette, our paths crossed. We mingled in the same friend group - 2035 and Apt. E playing host to mismatch parties and holidays. We were friends, but not close. We had a few political science classes together. Years passed. Lisa moved to Minnesota, then California, then back to Wisconsin in 2018. Harley became a homeowner in Stoughton and cooked the Friendsgiving turkey in Lisa's apartment in November 2018. More time passed. 2020: Marquette Zooms were a Friday night fixture in the pandemic; Harley and Lisa attended consistently throughout the year. Reliable spice rack in the background - yet no romantic spark. Oct. 2021: Lisa and Harley had new jobs. Lisa's is remote and flexible....which meant saying yes to an impromptu kayaking trip on a lovely October day. A fun fall adventure, so much sunshine and a passing thought that she could have spent even more time with Harley, a rarity after a full day with one person. Lisa wonders: "Is Harley cute?" Weeks passed. Lisa consulted out-of-state friends to consider potential crush, wonders... January 2022: Harley hosts friends' Christmas. Lisa makes a move. Harley travels to Milwaukee to take Lisa on a proper date. They go to Central Standard Distillery downtown for a drink, and then make gnocchi together. Spring 2022: Harley and Lisa are in uncharted territory. Seeing each other about once a month, a poorly kept secret to their shared circle of friends (thanks to Lisa's inability to lie to Katharine's face). Summer 2022: Harley surreptitiously asks for a "plus one" to a Up North cabin weekend. Begin to see each other with regularity and romantic relationship develops. They realize their shared values and get along well, chatting or in contented silence. Lisa learns how to take a fish off a hook and Harley fixes things in Lisa's house. For 1.5 years, they make long-distance work - the 1.5 hour trek done most weekends. The relationship grows over homecooked meals and hikes, games and serious chats. And so much laughter! In August 2023, Harley and Lisa made the leap to close the distance, moving in to an 1892 Victorian home. From the excitement of travel, kayaking trips and Wisconsin volleyball games, to the ordinary tasks of cooking a meal or visiting family, we have a strong friendship that serves as the foundation for our relationship. In the winter of 2024, we continued with cross-country skiing, daily living, and even designed an engagement ring. Lisa asked when she should paint her nails throughout the spring. On Friday April 12, we made homemade ravioli and enjoyed some red wine. Harley proposed with a simple question: "Will you marry me?" in our living room, and Lisa said yes.