Oct 6, 2021, Wendy prepared herself for what was soon to become the most important date of her life. Unlike most women who would reapply their makeup and check their look in the mirror, Wendy had another way to get ready that involved two shots of tequila. This type of preparation wasn't a typical habit for her, but this wasn't a typical date. Wendy’s mentor, Shay, arranged this blind date with her little brother, Slade. Wendy didn’t want to blow it, she had a feeling this guy was special, and she was right. The two hit it off immediately, talking long enough into the night that the restaurant's valet was long gone by the time they wrapped it up, and Slade had to retrieve his car keys from a perturbed chef behind closed doors. Over the next few weeks Wendy invited Slade on long runs, but it wasn’t just the training that kept her heart beating. Slade too, was smitten and determined to not only run beside this little whirlwind, but to catch her.  This Wyoming lad had plans to woo this San Diego gal. On one of their preliminary dates, he courageously brought her to a dive bar to supposedly enjoy a band composed of his former classmates. Just as Wendy was secretly beginning to wonder about Slade’s taste in music, he slyly whisked her off to a Jack Harlow concert, surprising her with a night they would never forget. They danced and sang along to one of Wendy’s fave performers that would eventually become this couple's future dog’s namesake, Harlow! Their relationship began ascending quickly with each new hike they did. Heavy backpacks full of firewood and peanut butter whiskey wouldn't slow this couple down as they continued to bond. For Slade, it wasn't just their overlapping hobbies that sealed the deal, it was Wendy's passion and caring nature that planted visions of a future with this woman. As for Wendy, Slade’s bottomless patience and kindness won her over. And so, one year and 10 months later, the happy couple dove into an adventurous 100-mile European trek, the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Wendy had a suspicion that something wonderful was going to happen on this trip. She secretly snuck through Slade’s backpack searching for a little black box, but the only thing she discovered was a new tripod. Little did she know, this tripod was all part of Slade’s sneaky surprise.  There were so many breathtaking sights these two enjoyed. With each picturesque opportunity for a proposal that was passed upon, Wendy began to wonder, “Will this proposal ever happen?”  And then, on a bright crisp morning, without the forethought to mess with her hair or prep with her infamous 2 shots of tequila, Wendy was surprised, once again, with one of Slade’s smooth moves. The tripod was in place, as Slade had been doing the entire trip, capturing their signature handheld jumps. This time, however, only Wendy jumped, as she watched the man of her dreams fall to one knee. He drew open a tiny box that he had hidden close to his heart. Carefully, he then offered Wendy a symbol of their love crafted into a one-of-a-kind ring with the gold and diamond from his grandfather's ring. The diamond sat as clear and bright as the priceless future that lay before them. Now, their hearts were the ones that jumped in tandem, as Wendy accepted Slade’s invitation to a lifetime of adventure together. Thank you to Wendy's creative mother, Debie, who wrote this story of their love.