Our story has always been defined by the miles between us, but on one specific visit to Canada, the distance finally felt like it was closing for good. It all started with a plan to visit The Berry Barn—a beautiful, rustic red barn nestled just outside the city, famous for its flower gardens and riverside views. A few days before our reservation, I asked Avery the golden question: "Do I need to dress up?" He quickly shot it down, telling me to keep it casual since we were just meeting his mom and her boyfriend, Mitch. This was a huge milestone on its own, as the long-distance nature of our relationship meant this would be my first time meeting them! Fast forward to a few hours before dinner. Avery suddenly had a change of heart, suggesting I might actually want to "go ahead and dress up." While I had my suspicions, that tiny hint turned my "maybe" into a "definitely." I knew something special was brewing. When we arrived, the setting was breathtaking. The barn sat against a backdrop of flowing river water and winding walking trails. After a lovely stroll around the grounds with his family, we found ourselves back at the front of the barn. Suddenly, Avery—the man who usually avoids a camera at all costs—insisted we go back down to the river to take pictures. When I asked him why the sudden interest in a photoshoot, he completely ignored the question! Instead, he claimed I looked thirsty and bolted to the car to get my water bottle, despite me protesting that I didn't need it. When he returned, two things were clear: he didn't have my water bottle, and there was a very obvious ring box outline in his front pocket. He tried to grab my shoulders to keep me from looking down, but the secret was out! He led me back to a secluded spot by the river just as the sun began to set. Without a care for his clothes, Avery dropped to one knee right in the mud. He opened the box to reveal the most stunning heirloom ring—his great-great-great-grandmother’s. I was so stunned by the history and the beauty of the moment that I stood there in a slight daze. After I officially said "Yes!", we stood there smiling at each other for a second too long until I finally had to ask, "Are you going to put it on me?" We both laughed as he slid the ring onto my finger. We spent the rest of the evening inside the barn, joined by his grandparents, celebrating our new chapter over a wonderful meal. It was messy, beautiful, and perfectly us.