Shortly after our trip home from the Hilton Head Vacation, Shelby had no idea that Patrick, with the help of his sister and mother, had been working behind the scenes to plan the most thoughtful proposal. It had been a week of work stress, mixed with pregnancy hormones, and all she thought she was doing was picking up pizza for a quiet Friday night in.

Patrick, however, was insistent she drive to the pizza place — even though it was only three blocks away — which Shelby found odd, but she didn’t question it. When she arrived, the staff handed her the pizza and cheerfully told her to “have fun on your scavenger hunt.” Completely confused, Shelby accepted an envelope tucked in with the box. At first, she assumed it was a coupon or gift card… until she noticed her name written on the front.

Inside was a heartfelt letter from Patrick, recalling sweet memories and sharing how excited he was to start their life together. The letter directed her to Sweet Em’s, where she picked up a mystery treat for their boys — along with another letter. This one sent her to The Cakery Bakery, where she received yet another surprise and the final letter. Each note was filled with love, excitement, and hints about what was to come.

The last letter told her to she was ‘a Jewel to Behold” she knew the last stop on this scavenger hunt was the Jewel Box. The only catch? Patrick had let her leave the house looking like a total hot mess. Luckily, he texted just in time, suggesting she swing back home to “get pretty” before her final stop. Shelby raced home, slipped into a beautiful blush-pink dress, tried to tame her hair and makeup, and headed out again.

When she arrived at the Jewel Box, Patrick was waiting with their two pups by the sundial. The late afternoon light made the glass building glow. The dogs were bursting with excitement to see her, and Shelby could barely process the moment before Patrick began his proposal. Overwhelmed with joy (and tangled in two leashes), she blurted “Yes!” before he could even finish asking.

They celebrated right there with pizza and sparkling cider on a bench, soaking in the moment. Then they headed to Patrick’s family’s house to share the news. On the way, Shelby FaceTimed her mom, noticing her mom was acting a little strange — but she was far too giddy to think much of it.

When they pulled up to Jessica’s house and walked inside, Shelby was stunned — the living room was packed with friends, family, and, to her shock, her mom and sister, who had driven in from Kansas just to be there. The night was filled with hugs, happy tears, and pure joy.

Patrick had pulled off the perfect proposal — thoughtful and filled with love.