This story kicks off in May 2012 at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington, where Nathan met Tegan—Kelsey’s sister—during their First Term Airman Course. Tegan, the only junior enlisted with a car, quickly became Nathan’s early morning savior, giving him a ride to their 6 a.m. classes (because walking that early? No thanks). Before Tegan left for WA, Kelsey had jokingly said, “Pick me out a military man!” Challenge accepted. As Nathan and Tegan became friends, Tegan casually mentioned, “You should meet my sister, Kelsey, when she visits in a few weeks!” Nathan, never one to miss a beat, quipped, “As long as she doesn’t look like you.” One day, Tegan, Nathan, and some friends went on a hike and climbed a tree for some goofy pictures. Naturally, Tegan posted them on social media. Kelsey was scrolling when she spotted Nathan in one of the photos and immediately asked, “Who’s that hunk?” But as she swiped to the next pic, there he was, perched like a squirrel in the tree, and she thought, Yep, that’s my kind of guy. Fast forward to Kelsey’s visit: they met with friends at a cozy Irish pub where beer, desserts, and laughter were plentiful—and so were a few stolen glances. That night led to a Seattle haunted trail tour where Nathan and Kelsey couldn’t stop talking, laughing, and realizing something special was brewing. And the rest, as they say, is history.