Early this fall, our mutual friends, Lysandra and Will Slack, reached out to each of us to see if we’d be willing to go on a blind date. Molly knew Lysandra from church growing up, and Mark currently goes to church with Lysandra and Will. We both happily agreed.

Mark reached out and suggested dinner at Village Deli, a spot we both frequent. When Molly walked in, she mentioned that Mark looked familiar. Little did we know, we had been in the same first and second grade classes at Lacy Elementary. As we closed down Village Deli, Mark asked if Molly liked ice cream (which was an obvious yes), so we went next door for dessert—Mark’s attempt to prolong the date. After four hours, our first date ended as a success.

We went on a few more dinner dates, which led to our first golf outing—a hobby we quickly bonded over. Wanting to spend more time with Molly, Mark suggested playing at Grandover in Greensboro, NC, which Molly happily agreed to. After a successful round of golf, followed by amazing Mexican food and Maxie B's cake, we headed back to Raleigh. Date #4 was twelve hours of conversation and fun, setting the stage for many more rounds of golf and adventures together—one of which would become our proposal.

Since Molly was out of town with her family the week before, we weren’t able to celebrate her birthday together. Having enjoyed Mark's birthday playing golf at Tobacco Road a few months prior, he wanted to commemorate hers with a round at Tot Hill Farm Golf Course in Asheboro, NC. Mark was excited to give Molly the same special experience and memory—on another unforgettable course. Little did she know, this was also where he planned to propose.

While Molly was on vacation, Mark put everything into place, including a trip to the course to meet with the photographer and coordinate with the pro shop and staff. As March 8th approached, for those who knew the plan, the big question was: How is he going to get through 18 holes? Mark did a good job of playing it cool and staying in the moment—until the 16th hole.

After finishing our final putts on the 18th green, Molly tried to convince Mark to take a selfie, as we always do at the end of a round. Mark obliged, but then took her phone and putter and said he had something to say. He got down on one knee, pulled a ring from his pocket, and asked, "Molly McKay Baird, will you be my wife?" She enthusiastically said yes, met with cheers from a group of onlookers at the clubhouse.

The surprises didn’t end there. When we arrived back in Raleigh, Mark had arranged for both of our families to gather at Molly’s parents' house, ready to celebrate over dinner.