On 1/20/26 Emma got a text from her sister in law, Lauren, asking if she’d be down to go on a date with Carter’s best friend, Matt’s, brother in-law. Of course she included some details about Tyler, and some photos as well. Lauren had been texted by Taylor (Tyler’s sister). Taylor was playing match maker for her brother, Tyler. Emma quickly replied with an “I’m down!” Because she had actually been telling Lauren how she was in a season of stepping away from trying to make anything happen in the relationship realm, and really desired to be set up by someone who knew her and the other person! This was exactly what Emma wanted! Meanwhile, Tyler had just gotten home from college recently, and moved into his own place. He’d been wanting to find his future wife. But continued to be patient as he was looking for the right one. After some time, about 10 days later, Tyler made the move to follow Emma on Instagram (big moves for a Gen Z)… Emma was jumping up and down for a good hour. A few days later, Tyler messaged Emma asking if he could get to know her before she made her trip down to Springfield for Spring Break next month. Tyler and Emma ended up talking for 6 hours on the phone during their first call. Sharing all their intentions, hopes, dreams, goals and desires for a god-honoring relationship. They each promised not to waste each others time, and to be open and honest with each other if feelings ever shifted. A key phrase during this time was “I don’t wanna jump the gun… but…”. There was quite-literally no jumping the gun, God was just that good, and kind! They kept talking, conversations were just as long. They talked about everything! By the time they got to Spring Break the excitement was building up and they were both just eager to spend some time around each other! They had planned a date for the day after Emma got in town, but Emma got too excited and went to see Tyler 30 minutes after she got in. That night, 3/14/26, Emma & Tyler sat around, hugged, had a light saber battle, and started dating! The next day they had their “official” date at Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium followed by Canes for lunch. A few days later Emma said “I love you” (first) and Tyler ended up following Emma back from Spring Break to help her family move. Since then, their relationship has been full of God’s goodness. He’s opened doors in a really fast time frame, that to some might have caused stress and anxiousness, but to Tyler and Emma have brought an immense amount of peace and joy! Emma and Tyler got engaged on 5/4/26 in Springfield. Emma went on after that day to apply to a few schools in Springfield, just to see if there was any potential of her getting a job for the upcoming school year (originally they had planned to wait for her to move until wedding). Emma ended up getting and accepting a job on 5/14/26 and receiving her Missouri teaching license 2 weeks later (that’s really fast for license reciprocity)! At the same time Tyler completed all his steps for beginning police academy and received an early hire offer! God has been so faithful! On 6/25/26 , Emma Moves to Springfield & Emma + Tyler get to live life closer together before their wedding next Spring! Thank you Jesus!!