Cheverly was full-time third shift and Mark was part-time. On occasion, Mark would work on third shift and both he and Cheverly would have deep conversations about mental well-being and dark humor (this would be called the 3am walkway chats). These conversations transitioned to sending some borderline offensive memes and additional conversations. Cheverly eventually quit the jail and Mark worked there a few months longer. The two kept in touch but conversation was relatively minimal.

Cheverly had recently become single but Mark didn’t make any moves out of respect. After a few weeks (and a little bit of hinting), the two went on a sushi date. What started as casual hanging out (and the two swore they didn’t want a relationship at the time) turned into inseparability and fondness. Then, after only two weeks of “casually” hanging out, they started dating January 13th, 2023.

Cheverly and Mark had gone to the dock at Harvey’s Lake (thank you Dave and Jane). The lake was warm but the air was starting to cool. Cheverly was sitting in a teal Adirondack chair while Mark stood. Mark told Cheverly to come over to him… she was stubborn at first as she was comfortable getting warm beneath a towel. After some time, she eventually got up and met him. With arms wrapped around Mark’s neck, the two started discussing some things (honestly, couldn’t remember what) when Mark got down on one knee and asked “will you marry me?”. Shocked, Cheverly stood there for a moment with the typical hands-covering-mouth expression. So Mark asked again. With tear filled eyes and shaky hands, she said yes and Mark put the gold ring on her finger. Many tears were shed while the shock wore off and it was becoming a reality.