Jacob and I met in the sixth grade in a CCD class. I remember getting butterflies when he walked in on the first day and every Wednesday night after that. One very special CCD night (reconciliation), I was waiting in line to speak to the priest when Jacob’s friend waltzed over and asked me out on behalf of Jacob. The problem was, I wasn’t allowed to have a boyfriend. After just “washing away my sins,” I was not quite ready to lie to my mom! I replied that I needed some time to think about it. Three days later, I decided that a secret boyfriend was worth it if it was Jacob. I gave him the thumbs up the next day while he was in the lunch line at school. The next two years were filled with very little talking, but always a hug every day before we headed home on our separate school buses. It all came to a dramatic end when another one of Jacob’s friends texted me, impersonating Jacob (yes, lots of friends pulling the weight in this relationship), saying that if I didn’t kiss him on Monday, we were breaking up. I said, "Sounds like a plan! It was fun while it lasted.” We reconnected for a brief stint, even attending our freshman year homecoming dance together. We have the cheesy professional photo to prove it. Let’s just say it didn’t work out (aka I ditched him at the dance). Five years later, during a summer home from college in Dubuque, Jacob and I finally stuck. Summer boat rides turned into late-night and early-morning drives to and from Davenport and Iowa City. That turned into living our dream in a 400 sq ft apartment in Hawaii. One more move back to the Midwest, and we are ready to celebrate our love with all of our favorite people at our wedding. It only took 14 years. - Katie