I'd heard enough about Chincoteauge to know it was a special place. The dune-covered beaches, horses swimming across the sea, and countless summers spent with family and friends. With my great-grandmother's engagement ring tucked away in my backpack, I set out to add another memory. After a few days soaking up sun, I popped down on a knee, and popped the question, then we popped the champagne.

We met senior year at the University of Miami. Serendipitous. It was a blind date event, the kind where girls invite the guys. I was looking for someone with short blonde hair. I walked into that room and the entire place lit up—all I could see was Nell. Needless to say, I never found the person who invited me, but I did find my co-pilot, best friend, and the love of my life.