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September 26, 2026
Naperville, IL
#DNAforever

Darnell & Ashli

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Us??! Getting Married??!

Darnell Smartt

and

Ashli Wiley

#DNAforever

September 26, 2026

Naperville, IL
485 days485 d1 hour1 h12 minutes12 min

Trainer to proposal

June 2022

Darnell had been working at SWISSPORT for years, fueling planes and ensuring everything was set for takeoff. The steady rhythm of his job was a comforting escape after a tough breakup. But everything changed when Ashli, a new employee, started training under him. Ashli had recently endured a painful breakup, and she wasn’t sure she was ready to trust again. Yet, Darnell’s calm and patient nature made her feel understood. They began talking during breaks, initially about work, but soon they shared stories of their past relationships, and Ashli began to find solace in his presence. “I can’t even imagine trusting someone again,” Ashli admitted one day. “It feels impossible.” Darnell smiled. “It’s tough, but sometimes you just need someone who’ll be there for you. No rush, just someone who understands.” Their friendship blossomed over time. After each shift, they’d grab a bite to eat, talking about everything from their dreams to their fears. Slowly, what had started as a mentor-mentee relationship turned into something more. They both realized that their connection had deepened beyond just friendship. One evening, Darnell casually mentioned an idea. “Hey, I was thinking of going to the Ferris wheel this weekend,” he said, looking over at Ashli with a playful grin. “Wanna come with me?” Ashli froze for a moment, then let out a nervous laugh. “You know I’m terrified of heights, right? The Ferris wheel is the last place I’d ever want to go.” Darnell looked at her, understanding her fear but not backing down. “I know, but I was hoping we could face it together. I mean, you’ve always been there for me, helping me through my past. I want to be there for you now. If you’re willing to give it a shot, I’ll be right there with you the whole time.” Ashli looked at him, her heart racing. She appreciated how much Darnell cared, how he was willing to confront her fears with her, but the idea still made her uneasy. She hesitated, wondering if she could trust herself enough to take that step. “I don’t know, Darnell. I’m really scared,” Ashli confessed, her voice soft. Darnell’s tone was gentle, but firm. “I know it’s scary, Ashli. But sometimes facing our fears can open up new possibilities. You don’t have to do it alone. I’ll be there, every step of the way.” After a moment, Ashli nodded, feeling the weight of his words. She knew he wasn’t pushing her to do something she wasn’t ready for; he just wanted to offer her a chance to grow, to face something that had held her back for so long. “I’ll go with you,” she said quietly, a mix of fear and hope in her voice. “But if I freak out, you’re the one to blame.” Darnell smiled warmly. “I promise, you’re not alone in this.” Their relationship grew from that point, built on trust, patience, and the strength of their shared vulnerabilities. They spent more time together outside of work, talking about their hopes, their dreams, and their fears, building a connection that was as deep as it was genuine. Months later, their love story grew even stronger with the birth of their daughter, Milani Rose Namor Smartt. Holding their baby in their arms, they knew they had built a relationship rooted in friendship, one that had been tested and had withstood time. They bought a house, a cozy home filled with laughter, love, and light. From fueling planes together at SWISSPORT to raising Milani, Darnell and Ashli had discovered that true love begins with trust and grows stronger with each passing day.

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