Andrea Gunning

But then... I actually had to move to Hawaii because my dad was working for the military, and we moved there.

She ended up spending her senior year in Hawaii.

Then she got accepted to college in Illinois.

She was ready to start a new life there without her high school boyfriend.

Giving up her first love was hard, but she wanted to prioritize her independence.

Danielle thrived in college.

She loved her major, which was art, and she also loved going to Bible study on campus.

That's where she met Chad.

She felt comfortable around Chad.

It was easy, like they'd known each other for years.

From the start, Danielle was serious about Chad.

Everything about him felt right.

He was pursuing a degree in finance.

He had dreams of starting his own business.

And like her, he also wanted a big family.

But most of all, she just loved being around him.

While they were dating, he went above and beyond to woo her.

It's not who she is, but Chad said she deserved the best.

And it was flattering.

After about two years of dating, he made a particularly grand gesture.