When trying to figure out what to say for our story, Dan quickly stated that he’s not a very good writer and wanted to ensure we did this together. Contrary to what Dan says, Hillary thinks otherwise, based on the “essay” that Dan sent her on Match.com. (Hey, it was long okay?) Dan sent Hillary a message on Match.com in September of 2022. Speaking to Hillary’s interest in sci-fi and fantasy movies, Hillary, who's first thought was: "He's cute," appreciated his thought-out message, even if it was (in her opinion) an "essay". After sending messages back and forth through the app, Dan asked Hillary to exchange numbers, hoping that neither was too much of a weirdo (spoiler alert: we're both weirdos). From there, their conversation switched to phone calls and Dan eventually asked Hillary out on a date to go axe throwing followed by ice cream at Graeters after Dan lost a friendly wager to Hillary (he definitely kicked my butt at the game). Both agreed they enjoyed each other’s company and continued their dating journey with adventures throughout the Dayton, Ohio area. Discovering that they both have a love of films, their dates usually consisted of watching movies at home or enjoying a night out (even on a school night!) at the movies. Dan, being in the Air Force and stationed at Wright-Patterson base since 2016, was able to show Hillary, an Ohio transplant in 2022, all that Ohio has to offer. Enjoying their time spent together, both realized that they had the same goals and aspirations when it came to life, love, and family. Hillary grew to love and appreciate Dan’s ability to be understanding, level-headed and supportive no matter what life threw at him. She also loved that her cat, Norman, and Dan had grown a very special bond between the two of them (even though she was the one rescued him from the streets). For Dan, he fell in love with Hillary because he believed she was one of the most caring and compassionate people he'd ever met. Even during the tough days, Dan knew that Hillary would always be there to listen or give advice when needed. Much like Hillary loved that her cat, Norman, took to Dan, he felt the same way about her when all of his nieces, Jillian, Jayden, Ava, and Harper formed their bond and gave their approval! On November 22, 2023, during a family photo session in California, Dan asked Hillary: “Hey, what are you doing for the next 40 to 50 years?” (Dan had recently shown Hillary the Rocky films, for any of you movie buffs out there) To which Hillary responded: “I don’t know, what are you thinking?” With that response, Dan asked Hillary to marry him, and with family cheering them on, Hillary excitedly answered "yes". Dan and Hillary are excited to spend the rest of their lives together and can’t wait to share their special day with family and friends.