We determined that the next location was going to be our preferred neighborhood coffee shop. It was a nice day so we decided to walk, holding hands and talking about the new year.

At the coffee shop, we received our next task.

We "found" a flyer on a bulletin board in the coffee shop about a new year's eve party at the Columbia Tower, and since the suspect was looking for a spot to be undercover at midnight, we figured it was a better lead than nothing. 😜

We put on our pearls and pajama best outfits, and headed out for a festive night above the clouds!

It was steadily creeping closer to midnight. Deep down, I knew this night was about something more special than a silly game I had created. I knew I wanted to spend my life with this man, adoring one another and indulging in our simple games and fantasies together, making each other smile.

Clearly, based on our clues, the last task must be done at the stroke of midnight. We took a selfie (our best attempt at a "reflection photo"), and suddenly our last clue revealed itself: small black velvet pouch, just as described by witnesses. Inside, we found the missing item: the Alki Emerald!

The crowd was singing and dancing to the dj's festive tunes to bring in 2026. The city below was covered in a thick blank of fog, ethereal twinkling lights within a deep sea of clouds. It felt like we were flying among the heavens.

We had our midnight kiss side by side watching the celebration before us. I looked at Patrick and took him by the hands. I told him I wanted to ask him a question. There was a glimmer in his eyes and he lit up as he realized what this night, this moment, truly was about. I professed my love for him, and asked him to marry me. He said yes! ❤️