We're Getting Married

**Jacy** "Christopher and I met one fine fall afternoon at our local dispensary, Sweet Leaf, in Eagle, CO. I had gotten to know Chris' dad, James, over the years and one day the three of us were coincidentally running the same errands. Great minds think alike! After finishing our important transactions, James introduced Chris and I to each other, and I was so excited to finally meet the person I'd heard so much about over the years. Samantha, Chris' sister, mentioned to me on several occasions how wonderful he is and that perhaps we would make a nice couple. I found him to be very handsome, and with the kindest eyes and sweetest smile I'd ever seen. At that moment, I knew we'd be seeing each other again." **Christopher** "I met Jacy at a pot shop in Eagle Colorado. Funny enough, I actually wasn't there to get anything for myself. Instead I had just tagged along with my dad. So I think it's a pretty neat coincidence that I got to meet Jacy that day, as she was also not at the pot shop to purchase anything for herself. Anyway, I remember checking out this girl while I was in the weed store with my dad. I remember thinking, "Wow! She is really beautiful!" Much to my surprise, my dad actually knew this girl. "Jacy!" He exclaimed, when he saw her in the store. My dad then introduced us, which I think is sort of hilarious because he had actually told me about Jacy on several occasions. One thing led to another and she soon became the love of my life!"

**Jacy** "It was, what I believed to be, a normal Wednesday after work when Chris and I went for a walk after the gym. We had a walk we loved to go on in Gypsum, CO that paralleled the Eagle River and highway 6. We parked in our usual spot and began a leisure stroll along the paved path. Chris recommended that we make a detour to skip some rocks along the riverbank like we usually do. I, however, wanted to continue walking along the path. So, we compromised and kept walking. Not far along the path, I noticed a snake sunbathing on the black sidewalk. Not wanting to disturb it (and also being a bit scared of it, admittedly) we turned back around to skip rocks along the river. While scanning the shore, I noticed one rock in particular was reflecting a lot of the evening sun's rays and after a while, Chris mentioned that I should go check it out. Walking over to the rock, it became apparent that it was hand painted with golden hearts and I couldn't help but wonder who would have left such a pretty thing in this seemingly random spot. Turning it over, it read "Will You Marry Me?". I was very confused. Seriously, who put this rock here?! It didn't click that Chris had planned everything until I looked over and he was down on one knee with a ring. I must have been in shock, because the first thing out of my mouth was, "wait.. you planned this? And you're asking me to marry you?" I said yes (of course), we kissed, and I admired the ring he picked out for me. We watched the sun set in each other's arms and listened to the river until the sun set behind the mountain peaks." Being a bit superstitious, I looked up the meaning behind the snake later that night: "Seeing a snake is a sign that you are at a crossroad in your life, and you're about to make a crucial decision." **Christopher** "It was May 26th, 2021. The weather was starting to get warmer, all of the snow had melted, and the sun stayed out for much longer. Earlier in the morning, using gold paint, I painted the words "Will You Marry Me?" on a rock I would hide later that day. I left work early and made a detour on the way home to hide the rock near one of our favorite spots to skip rocks in Gypsum. I left it near a pile of stones that were neatly stacked in a tower. I then went home to see my love and spend the evening with her. We went to the gym, and then on our way home we went for a walk near the river in Gypsum. I suggested that we go down to skip some rocks at our usual spot, but Jacy wanted to walk along a path that parallels the highway. I agreed, thinking maybe we could stop at the rock spot on the way back or, worst case, some other day. We began making our way up the path and before long encountered a rather large snake basking in the sun. I was very relieved when Jacy suggested that maybe we should turn back and go skip some rocks instead. So we went to the river bank and I waited eagerly for Jacy to find the rock that I had left there earlier. I kept seeing her looking in its direction and a few times I thought that she might pick it up, but she never did. Eventually it got to a point where we were talking about headed back home, so I decided to point the rock out to her. I asked her if she had noticed the rock with the gold heart painted on it. She said that she did, and was fighting the urge to throw it in the river. I then suggested that she pick it up and look at it. As she did, I got down on one knee and presented her with the ring. Jacy seemed a little surprised, and asked me if I was being serious. She said yes though, and we spent quite a while sitting by the river together enjoying the moment and each others company."

**Jacy** "Getting in the car with all our belongings to drive 1,200 miles and create a new life together has been one of the many experiences with Chris that won't be forgotten. It was difficult moving away from my family. Growing up in a small town where everyone knows everyone, and transitioning to the Seattle area took some serious adjusting; like how I have to use my GPS to get anywhere. The two of us have become even closer than we were before by relying on one another for so much more in life, and I wouldn't change that for anything. We've had the opportunity to see inspirational live music, hilarious live stand up comedy, meet new friends, eat at countless different restaurants, and exploring breath taking walks through old growth forest. The beauty this area contains is truly a sight to behold." **Chris** "It was nearing the end of November in 2021. Jacy and I were staying in Colorado to have a big thanksgiving dinner with the whole family at Fred and Deb's house, but plans were changed at the last minute when the two of us got Covid! We had already packed most all of our belongings and were quarantining at my dad's house. Our quarantine period actually ended the day that we were hopping into our car and making the drive across the country to the Pacific North West. Fred and Deb were graciously doing the journey with us and driving a U-Haul with our belongings, Jacy's car in tow. Our plan was to stop overnight in Idaho and then continue on to our new home! The journey ended up being somewhat longer for Fred and Deb though, as they were only able to drive fifty five miles per hour in the U-Haul. We've since settled in and made a nest for ourselves over the past year. We've found trails that we love to hike together, restaurants we love to eat at, cafe's we frequent, and of course have grown together as a couple and as partners. We are now planning our wedding out here and looking for a home together! I love every minute I get to spend with you Jacy Espinoza!"