The phrase "Mother knows best" rings true... Rachel's mother Jill had known Clint for years prior, through his coaching football with Rachel's step-dad Lenny & brother-in-law Jeremy. Jill was always ADAMENT that Rachel and Clint were meant for each other, they just didn't know it yet... plotting for 4 years on how to get them set up together. But as we all know, timing is everything. Rachel and Clint "OFFICIALLY" met on the night of Lenny & Jill's wedding - June 20, 2020. Yes, in the middle of a global pandemic. As Rachel was enjoying a cupcake at the backyard reception surrounded by mutual friends, her sisters Carly and Aarin were on a mission: "YOU HAVEN'T MET CLINT YET?!!". After that realization, it wasn't long until Kris Miller's famous line: " Have you met my friend Clint?" closely followed by Clint extending his hand for a handshake, Cue the cupcake-covered handshake that marks their meeting: how romantic. HA! To say Clint was not a smooth-talker during their first conversation is an understatement; nervously making conversation by asking " So you went to Misericordia?" over and over. But he must've said something right, as Rachel accepted Kris' invitation to come back to the Miller's for the "afterparty," which she would later find out consisted of 4 people: Kris & Steph and Clint & Rachel. But from that day on... the rest is history.

It was an unsuspecting Wednesday evening: Rachel had just gotten home after finishing a long, busy 8 day stretch at work. The two of us had a getaway planned to Alexandria, VA and we were leaving tomorrow morning - time to relax! As per our usual end-of-the-work-week routine, we were headed for dinner & beers at our favorite local spot, Black Forest Brewery. Rachel's plan was to quickly come home to change - knowing Clint off from work on this day and was probably eager to get to dinner too. In an attempt to quickly make herself look presentable, Rach quickly threw on a t-shirt and a baseball cap. Clint, anxiously pacing around the apartment, comes in and asks " Are you planning on getting ready some more or are you just planning on going as is?" -- leaving Rachel a little confused by his eager remark. "As is?!" - At this point, Rachel was unaware of the ring box Clint was hiding in a pair of his unworn shoes in the other room. In a matter of minutes, as Rachel was rounding the corner into the living room... there Clint stood ( Rachel nearly walking past him at first - oops!), dropping to one knee with a diamond ring in hand. "Will you?" - Rachel was in utter shock and managed to squeak out the the word "YES". WE 'RE ENGAGED!! Clint had done what he had always pledged was his ultimate goal when it came time -- a total surprise for such a special moment - turning our getaway to Alexandria into the ultimate celebratory trip.