State Transportation Commissioner Gena Abraham and former Transportation Board Chairman Mike Evans are engaged to be married, they said.

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File photo

Gena Abraham, the bride

File photo

Mike Evans, the groom

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"I'm extremely excited about it," Abraham said. "We're looking forward to a long, great future together."

Evans said he popped the question Friday after a conversation about the "whirlwind" of their ten-week-old relationship.

"The most special place in the world to her is her lake house," Evans said. "And the most special place at her lake house is her front porch swing." Sitting on that swing, Evans said, "Friday night I asked her to marry me, and she said yes."

Abraham spent part of Tuesday calling board members to give them the news.

"I'm happy for them," said the board's chairman for the next month, Bill Kuhlke. "They've fallen in love, they want to get married, and I think it's great."

Board member David Doss, who had a contentious relationship with Abraham during the brouhaha that erupted when the relationship was disclosed, said he was "genuinely excited and happy for both them."

Evans resigned as chairman of the DOT board April 17 after telling the board he and Abraham wanted to pursue a personal relationship. Abraham was reprimanded by the board for not disclosing the relationship sooner. She reports to the board Evans chaired.

Evans said Tuesday he hopes that from now on they can keep their personal lives personal and move away from the intense scrutiny they have endured. "I think it strengthened the bond and the relationship we have," he said. "But I wouldn't wish it on anybody."

Evans said the wedding will be small and casual, some time this summer. He said they hadn't decided where Evans, of Cumming, and Abraham, who lives 80 miles away in Sharpsburg, will settle.

Asked if her diamond ring was a pretty one, Evans said, "Yes, I think it is. I think she makes it sparkle."