We met online a month after quarantine started. Grey posted a photo of their fluffy cat, Pickles, which made for a great conversation starter. After a couple in-person dates, they asked me to be their girlfriend. That night I said "I love you" for the first time.

The first Covid lockdown, the isolation, the loneliness, it all stopped when we met. I knew I wanted to spend my life with Vanessa within a week of talking. Our first date -- socially distanced, of course -- was a tour of Helper, and hours with the best person I've ever met. I can't wait to spend my life with her. I love her to the moon and back, and always will. I was so nervous asking Vanessa to be my girlfriend, but I'm so happy she said yes!

One Tuesday afternoon I walked into Morgan Jewelers. I walked out with the perfect ring already perfectly sized. Two days later, I proposed with an Easter Egg Hunt at Second Dam. Cierra, Erin, and I hid eggs in the snow, then picked up Grey. They were surprised by the Easter Egg Hunt, but more surprised when I proposed with a giant golden Easter Egg. I'm forever grateful for the wonderful people who helped put this proposal together, and for Grey for saying yes to marrying me. I know it wasn't easy long-distancing it for 7 months. I admire your strength and commitment, and patience with me as I came to terms with my sexuality. Your family and friends are so lucky to have you in their lives, and I feel so honored to have you with me forever. I wouldn't want anyone else by my side. I love you.

While it wasn't as elegant as Vanessa's Easter proposal, I like to think it was still great. I took Vanessa to Second Dam, the same spot she proposed, and went around the water. We stopped at a dock, and I got down on one knee at the beginning while she went to look out on the water. She turned around, saw me there with her ring, and said... "No." I guess she's the only one allowed to have a cute proposal! After the rejection, she said yes anyway, and we got some fun pictures despite Katie being totally oblivious to us.