firefighter didn't disappoint. >> he had hired a sand sculptor to build a rather large sand sculpture of a treasure chest. and then he had placed the engagement ring in the box. >> so there was some real pirate booty in there? >> right, right. he pulled the ring out, got down on one knee and proposed to her. >> sam's a romantic. >> he is, isn't he? >> reporter: the lucky in love newlyweds would become equally successful at work. sam quickly climbed the fire department ladder, rising to the rank of lieutenant at the young age of 33. >> he loved the fire services. absolutely loved it. loved being a paramedic. >> reporter: danielle was just as ambitious, finding her stride in the administrative office of a local hospital. >> she became the regional marketing director for the whole hospital corporation. >> reporter: sam and danielle didn't have children, but they had the next best thing -- sam's great niece, aubrey cake. >> you're like the daughter we never had. they always told me that.