There's two sides to every story. Here's the origin of our lifelong journey together from both Emily's and Michael's perspective. Michael: It was March 2nd, 2021 -- our first date. Figured I'd take this cute new girl in town to a Cheyenne staple: the Albany Restaurant. All the expected topics were covered. Family, siblings, job, and interests. Through it all I was enamored and captured by this sweet smile that sat across me. Shy too! I've since learned Emily was nervous that night. It explained why she barely touched her food! But I didn't have a clue. She played it off cool. At the end of the night, I drove Emily to her house. As we sat in the driveway I asked for her number. Got all ten digits too (Niiiicceee!). I then asked if I could kiss her. Thankfully she said yes (double Niiiiiccee!). Ensuing dates followed and her shy nature faded. I was thankful and joyful she felt comfortable being around me; and me with her. I knew I loved Emily about 3-4 months in. I didn't want to blow it and say the big four letter word too soon. I was all in my head. Shortly thereafter I found the right time to tell her during a trip to Florida and what a wonderful feeling to hear it back. The next step was asking her to marry me. After receiving her father's permission I started making plans. There isn't much greenery in Cheyenne during early spring so I figured what better place to pop the question than at the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Thanks to my connections I could get the place all to ourselves while it was closed to the public. After dinner at The Met I asked Emily what she wanted to do. I suggested we go to the Botanic Gardens. "Aren't they closed?" Emily asked. "Yeah, but my key should get us in," I replied. "Will you get in trouble?" Emily replied. "Nah, I don't think so," I said knowing everything was set up. My heart was beating a million miles per hour. We went inside the Gardens and took a lap. I asked Emily what her favorite part of the Gardens was. Probably a super random question from her perspective, right?! I responded and said the place we stood at that moment was my favorite as it'd be the spot I'd ask her to marry me. Emily: What a Gentlemen! That was one of my first thoughts of Michael as he opened my car door on our way to The Albany for our first date together. Who knew that he would continue to open my door everyday afterwards. First dates went as usual, nerves, butterflies, and a million questions about one another. I was taken with how comfortable he made me feel, his kindness, and fun personality. It was a date that made me want to see him again and again. Over the time spent together dating and being friends, I grew more in love with Michael. His genuine kindness to others, his love and devotion to his family, his goodness, and steadfast friendship. He has accepted me as I am, quirks and all. He doesn't find my sneezing after eating too much food weird (even though it is kind of weird), and he stuck by my side through thick and thin. It was easy to say I loved him when he finally said it to me, and even easier to say yes when he asked for my hand in marriage. I am grateful for the man Michael is and I can't wait for the future we will have together. I know no matter what troubles we may face or hardships we encounter, that together we can conquer it through God. I have found the one I choose to commit to for the rest of my days. At last!