For the majority of their relationship, Jackson and Rachel have been long distance. While they have always been thankful that the distance was a matter of hours with no need for airfare, it still was not easy living in different cities and communities as they dated. On the upside, it provided them the unique opportunity to surprise the other by showing up at both of their homes unannounced and reveling in the sweetness of the unexpected time together.
On Friday, May 8th, as Rachel was in between ZOOM meetings, which inundate their current lives and running through her living room, she heard a knock on the door. Rachel turned, totally shocked, seeing Jackson’s face in the window. They embraced and laughed, and he then told she to grab her rain jacket because they were leaving for an adventure. Jackson had prepared a great scavenger hunt around the DC area, taking them back to some of their favorite spots which hold great significance. At each spot, Rachel had a letter to read that recounted the moments at this particular site. When they jumped back in the car, Jackson handed her another envelope with the next destination written on the outside. Eventually, after many Polaroid photos were taken and memories shared, they ended up at a beautiful park along the Potomac River. It was here Jackson read a letter to her and then got down on one knee, presenting Rachel with the opportunity to spend the rest of her life with him. There is no way she could have answered YES any faster. They hugged and kissed and did their special handshake before spending a few moments admiring and gushing over the ring. Upon walking back to the car, Rachel was elated, so entirely overjoyed and amazed at how right and normal and wonderful it felt to be engaged to this man. She had no idea that in this age of quarantine, Jackson had planned a gathering of their immediate family members to gather and celebrate while still maintaining social distancing guidelines. Seeing both families together brought forth tears and they reveled in their steps forward together!
