The origin story of how Jerome met Rachelle depends on who you ask....

Ask Jerome and he will say he was taking a stroll on the sidewalk and *randomly* decided to continue his walk on the beach.

And while Rachelle agrees that he may have been taking a leisurely stroll on the sidewalk, there was something that caught his eye to make him want to continue his walk on the sand (that something here is what medical professionals call gluteus maximus).

Either way - August 1st, 2021 was a fateful day for both of them.

Beginning with his strategic stop on that Inkwell Beach sand, Jerome courted Rachelle the best way he knew how: a charismatic smile, cheesy jokes and the promise of curry chicken.

And, after taking her for an impromptu photo shoot on the Aquinnah Cliffs, he ended the day with a romantic Menemsha Beach sunset - jumpstarting their lifelong journey across the sand into motion.

From that day, Jerome and Rachelle continued to strengthen their bond by meeting each others families and chosen families, taking trips and, most importantly, laughing with each other whenever possible. They each would make the trip either down to Martha's Vineyard or up to Boston whenever either would have free time.

On December 27, 2023 (hmmm, wonder what else that date means....?) Jerome proposed to Rachelle - and it was one of the ONLY times he has managed to surprise her!

And, clearly, Pumpkin said YES!

So, whether you choose to believe Jerome or Rachelle (*cough* Rachelle *cough*) one thing is for certain - they've only just begun making memories on their wonderful journey across the sand together.

P.S. Annnnnd - he will likely continue to block her sun for the rest of their days....but she will always happily accept his shadow ;)