After a long year of teaching, Victor and Gillian became great friends. The two could not get enough of each other, spending countless hours after work, during lunch, and at school events. Gillian became a refreshing change of pace in Victor's life, opening his eyes to the beautiful possibilities of life. Only after a few months into their friendship did Gillian fall in love with Victor. As for Victor, he took a while to catch the hint. Following the school year, Victor invited Gillian to hike Silver Falls, as he had never gone before. On a warm mid-morning in July, the two ventured out on the trail to see the many falls. As the two hiked, they laughed and talked, all with a smile across their faces. When the two came to one of the more infamous falls, Victor looked at Gillian and, in his heart, began to pull him towards her. His feelings for Gillian became more real. After a memorable night around town, Victor met with his dear friend Frank for lunch. Victor kept going on about the many magical days spent with Gillian. He asked Frank if he should ask Gillian on a date. Frank recalled a dinner Victor and Gillian attended with his family. Frank's wife, Lola, revealed to him that Gillian is in love with Victor. It became clearer as Gillian often came looking for Victor before and after work, along with many other signs. While leaving the restaurant, Victor felt the happiest he had ever been. He rushed to Gillian's apartment, and the two confessed their feelings. On August 11, 2022, the day of Pops' birthday, the two went out on their first date in Newport. The date ended with a beautiful sunset on Fogarty Creek, where they shared their first kiss. After the next few months, the two already knew they would marry, although Gillian knew well before. On a day trip to Rowena Crest with the van Veen's, Jodie captured a photo of the couple behind the rolling hills and dancing wildflowers. While looking at the picture on her phone, Jodie told them she saw how much they loved each other. Little did Gillian know then that Victor started searching for the ring to propose to his favorite person. Once Victor booked a photographer, he began to tell his family and soon-to-be in-laws, who were all over the moon. On August 11, 2023, the couple's first anniversary finally arrived. The couple planned to recreate their first date to the tee, with a twist Gillian sort of knew about. A day prior, Victor coordinated with Gillian's friend, Brooke, to get her a dress for the proposal while he went to get the ring from his family's home. Gillian could read Victor like a book, assuming the occasion was easy. However, once the couple arrived at Fogarty Creek, the photographer's arrival threw Gillian for a loop. Once the photographer had Gillian pose to recreate a photo, Victor sneaked behind her and went down on one knee. It was safe to say that Gillian was surprised!