We met on Facebook dating, of all places. Ryan led with a, "Hey, how goes it?" to Mary Beth the day after his birthday in 2021. A mutual friend to help ease the awkwardness and, just like that, the dating began! Our first date was in Vacaville, CA--our halfway point meetup. After realizing that the restaurant we had chosen was closed, we ended up at a brunch restaurant where MB had breakfast and Ryan had a burger--perfect! Masks came off and the friendship began. A little bit of hope in the midst of a pandemic, many months of long drives back and forth, blossoming love, lots of adventures, an eventual move, and a pretty rock... all leading beautifully to the beginning of the rest of our lives together. It took longer than we had hoped to find each other, but God was working in both of us in ways we obviously couldn't connect to ready our hearts for each other while maintaining the strength to keep Him at the top.

He had the ring for a while, nearly 3 months! Just waiting for the perfect storm to arrive where the nerves lined up with courage and aligned with timing. Folsom Lake was to be the destination that day. With the ring tucked into his bag, Ryan was not 100% sure that it would happen this day, but was ready if God set the stage. They got sandwiches on the way to the park and took a short hike to overlook the water for a picnic lunch. Beautiful views of nature abounded (Mary Beth's one request for an engagement local), but Ryan was still uncertain if it was the day. He wanted to surprise her and he thought for sure that Mary Beth was expecting the question (he was wrong!). After lunch, they hiked near the water and over the rocks. While Ryan pretended he was trying to find great spots for pictures, and thinking Mary Beth was growing evermore suspicious (she had no clue), he still did not inquire of her hand. Finally, as the time wore on and their bodies grew tired, it was time to head back to the car. Mary Beth urged them to start the trek back as she sensed Ryan's legs getting exhausted (he was totally exaggerating it, lol). She led them down the path on a little hill to steer him safely around the rocks when she heard, "Hey Lovey," from behind her. She turned to see Ryan on his knee with the ring in hand and she let out a scream of delighted (and total!) surprise. Following an emphatic "yes" and an embrace, Ryan led the two in a prayer and they began making calls to an excited family.