After eight years of friendship and a year and two months of dating, Paul had the perfect day planned for a proposal. On June 5, Paul picked Emeline up at her apartment, peonies in tow, and suggested she put on “something nice, like a dress.” All Emeline knew was that he was taking her up to the Cities for the day, but wouldn’t spare any other details. Interestingly, before they left, Emeline realized had planned on painting her nails and asked Paul if they could spare five minutes. Even though he had planned on leaving earlier, Paul responded with a nonchalant, “Go for it; take your time.” They first stopped at the Candy Barn, then walked around in the Mall of America. While they were there, Emeline noticed that Paul didn’t suggest they peruse any ring stores, like they had in months past. Paul had made early dinner reservations at Crave—Emeline’s favorite restaurant—and the food was amazing, per usual. After that, Paul drove them to Peace Rock Gardens, which he had scoped out the day before (unbeknownst to Emeline). The garden was gorgeous, and they meandered around there for quite a while. After an hour or so, Emeline mentioned that they should probably get back to the car as to not go over the paid parking time, to which Paul suggested that they walk over another bench or go over a bridge again. They probably walked around the whole garden twice! Finally, Paul proposed to Emeline on the top of a small hill as the sun was setting, and she said YES.