Still to this day, I am unsure of the official day I met Jesse. We simply had mutual friends and have known each other for many years. Of course, he had the hots for me, but he had the hots for everyone. So when he would come talk to me, I would brush him off as just another guy trying to get my attention. In 2017, as a single (& independent) woman, I would occasionally meet up with Jesse and a few mutual friends for a drink, movie at the Elks, hiking, or snowboarding. Eventually, he asked me out and I ultimately said "okay, sure, but just as friends." I remember what he wore and how intentionally late I was, but can't remember for the life of me what we talked about. After the evening "friend date" ended, he left without even a handshake. Which struck me as strange for being the guy that shows affection through excessive touching. I still wasn't interested and a year passed. Occasional meet ups with groups of friends led to Jesse being around again. I soon discovered that Jesse was more than just "some guy". I began making plans with our group of friends, hoping he'd show up too. He made everyone laugh and was clearly the epitome of a good time. I knew I was in trouble. We started hanging out more; snowboarding, hiking and appreciating our mutual love for Lost Cabin craft beer. In 2018, the Stock Show & Rodeo stopped in Rapid City and we planned to attend with our friends, Brad & Kelsie. After the rodeo, we headed to the "Crown Royal Bar" across the street. We had fun dancing, laughing, and ordering mixed cocktails on Jesse's tab. And then — Shania Twain's "Any Man of Man" came over the loud speaker. Jesse, being the fun, outgoing man that he is, jumped out of his seat and headed to the dance floor alone. If you knew me from the early stages of life, Shania Twain was my first concert (thanks, dad!) & my favorite country artist since I was little. Jesse danced and sang to the whole song, arms and all. That was the moment. "I am going to marry this man."

She denied me. So I had to have her. I proposed to her in the middle of her favorite ski run in Red Lodge, Montana — Lazy M. She says I acted nervous, but I was just ready to get the ring box out of my pocket. After she said yes, I surprised her with our friends, Brad & Kelsie, at the ski lodge — complete with mini champagne bottles to celebrate! We were lucky. This was 2 weeks before everything started shutting down. We were grateful to have one last, normal trip together doing what we love.