The sun was shining on a beautiful autumn day in Wisconsin as we climbed down the side of the gorge and sat on a rock overlooking the river. The ring box tucked in my jacket pocket felt like it had been burning a hole in me all day, ever since I first recovered it from its hiding place in my girlfriend’s parents’ house that morning. I had rehearsed how this might play out many times, but wasn’t even sure where it was going to happen, so I was pleased when we chanced upon a spot just like I had imagined.

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