Rick and Vivian met the modern way: by swiping right on Tinder back in 2018! They had their first date at Slater Park in Rhode Island and they spent the evening wandering through the park, eating Chinese takeout, and getting to know each other, ending the night with a magical, movie-worthy first kiss. As it often happens though, life eventually got in the way, and the unsuspecting pair decided not to pursue their relationship. They enjoyed their time together too much, however, and decided to stay friends. For years, they spent their time convincing their friends and families, and themselves, that they were "just friends", growing closer all the while. They spent their time exploring new towns and hiking spots, going to Six Flags and the beach in the summers, trying new restaurants, having Sunday dinners at Vivian's parents' house, and of course, binge-watching TV and Movie Series (including all of the Marvel Universe). They especially loved traveling together, starting with their first weekend away in New Hampshire and Vermont in 2021 and a trip the following year to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas to visit Rick's family. Later that year they traveled to Florida, where Vivian got to show Rick where she grew up, and it was on that trip that everything changed. What neither of them knew, was that for years, both had harbored feelings that they were too afraid to share. Being friends wasn't going to cut it anymore... And so, that week, after a push in the right direction, they left New England as best friends, and returned as a couple! Shortly after the trip (after a stint with Covid and an extended quarantine together) Vivian officially moved into Rick's apartment, and the following year the couple decided to purchase their first home together. Time moved quickly, but they’d known each other for years and it felt right! What Vivian didn't know is that Rick had another surprise up his sleeve. In November, 2023, Rick and Vivian flew to Florida, once again, this time to visit Vivian's family. She was excited to introduce her boyfriend to all of her aunts, uncles, and cousins, and had asked the whole family to come to the beach for an evening picnic, like they used to do when she was a little girl. Little did she know, this worked perfectly for Rick's surprise. On November 5th, 2023, at the family beach picnic, Rick took Vivian for a walk by the shoreline, and got down on one knee while her family watched from a distance and on that day, Vivian said yes to forever with her best friend. They left New England a couple, and returned engaged and ready to start their Happily Ever After!