Dave started teaching middle school math in 2016. After a challenging year, he was asked to move his classroom downstairs for the start of the 2017 school year. He wasn't thrilled about the move, but quickly decided it was worth it when he saw the new kindergarten teacher moving into the classroom next door. Haley was excited to start her first year teaching and couldn't wait for the year to begin. The first day back, she wasted no time texting her group chat to tell them about the tall math teacher next door that reminded her of Clark Kent because of his dark hair and glasses. After our coworker, Emily, saw the way we looked at each other during teacher intros she made it her mission to get us together. Between Emily planning after school drinks, Dave pretending he didn't know how to use powerpoint, and Sister Catherine praying for the connection, we went on our first date Thanksgiving weekend and never looked back!

After 3 years of dating, Haley was ready for a proposal and thought that at 34 years old Dave would be on the same page! She was sure an engagement was coming in their 4th year together, but their anniversary came and went without a proposal. Enter Linda (MOH), who asked Haley to grab dinner at her favorite spot, Lucia, in Winchester center. Linda did her job well, so Haley had no suspicions of a proposal for that night, which honestly made her mad. As we pulled up, Linda texted to say Lucia's was running behind, and to join her and Nick in the park to look at the twinkle lights. Now, this happened to be the coldest night of the year coming in at a crisp 9 degrees. If you don't know Haley, she hates being cold, so she quickly declined the offer and said she would wait in the car with her heated seat. Eventually, Dave managed to drag a cranky, shivering, and dramatic Haley to the park. Things were not going well... after refusing to hold his hand and yelling at Linda when she saw her wearing snow pants, Haley stormed off towards the restaurant. At this point she thought about what she would say to a student acting like this, so she took a breath and turned around to rejoin the group. That's when she saw Dave coming towards her as he pulled something out of his pocket. FINALLY she caught on and asked if he had a ring, while backing away and shaking her head, because who would want to marry her after the scene she had caused!?! Frustration turned to shock and shock turned to joy and suddenly it didn't feel too cold anymore!