Derrick and Cassaundra's mothers were coworkers and best friends. Derrick was born in 1996 and was almost 4 years old when Cassaundra was born. Growing up, they were inseparable and loved spending time together. When their mothers became estranged, that didn't stop their connection to each other. In 2013, Derrick and Cassaundra reconnected after a couple years and became best friends all over again. They inevitably became high school sweethearts. After a year together despite everyone doing what they could to keep the two apart, Cassaundra eventually ended up in foster care in 2014. When Cassaundra left the system in 2018, the first person she searched for was Derrick. They became best friends yet again and remained that way for years. Cassaundra had 2 daughters from before their relationship and Derrick had 2 sons from before their relationship. Eventually, they ended up having 2 daughters together. The night they reestablished their relationship, they were out for a drive. They stopped to look at the stars when Derrick unexpectedly pulled his hand to Cassaundra's face and kissed her for the first time in over a decade. After that night, they couldn't get enough of each other's company. They'd spend every chance they got together. Eventually, that time together resulted in their first daughter, Peyton. The couple were ecstatic. Cassaundra was understandably scared, but Derrick was thrilled. He remained supportive, loving, and reassured Cassaundra of his involvement and joy every step of the way. Following Peyton's birth, they unexpectedly got pregnant again 2 and a half months later with their twin daughters, Makenna and Paisley. The pregnancy was very difficult with many complications, including the loss of Paisley. The couple stayed by each other's side and relied on one another to make it through the uncertainty and grief. Makenna's birth was very complicated and resulted in the couple being made aware by several doctors that Makenna was required to be our last due to the dangers with becoming pregnant again at any time in the future. The couple held onto each other once again to process the grief and to support each other. Together, they have a beautiful blended 6 children who are all loved equally by both of them. Derrick asked Cassaundra to marry him (finally) and after saying yes, he wrapped his arms around her with so much force they fell down. They laughed, squeezed each other tightly, and Derrick was crying with joy at the new engagement. Now they are finally making it official and being each other's "forevers".