Today, it is no surprise that dating has become as easy as downloading an app and looking at your phone. James and Katie decided to find their 5 best photos, create a one sentence bio, and use the power of GPS technology to find their soulmate (if they were within a 20-mile radius). Also, James and Katie were too cheap to pay an annual fee to use a reputable dating site, so they landed on Tinder. In Dec ’17, they matched. James sent out the first message, “Hey Katie, how are you”. Katie was reluctant to reply as he was younger, and she wasn’t sure how serious he was. After three days of looking at his pictures on Instagram and being intrigued that he had a boat, a motorcycle and was a Fireman, she decided to reply. “Hey James, so sorry for the delay. Just saw your message”. Their first date was on NYE in '17. As much as they had to play it cool, they both knew something special was happening. James even stated that his original plans to meet up with some friends was canceled so their date could continue. The plans were, in fact, not canceled and texts and calls asking where he was were going ignored. After 6 weeks of dating, James had to go to TX for Air Force Basic Training and the Fire Academy. With constant communication and an eagerness for his return home, their relationship kept growing for 7 months. After his return, he met Sophia and Xander for the first time. He never treated the situation like a package deal or a burden. Instead, the kids were a bonus. Him and his family all made it clear that family isn't connected by last names or blood, but by commitment and love. She knew how lucky all three of them would be with James in their life. After a couple of years, lots of boat rides, and plenty of laughs, James decided on June 6th, 2020 in front of the kids, Katie’s parents, and her brother, to get on his knee and ask her to marry him. He knew how important it would be to have her family there to witness it. It was the happiest day for all of them.