Levi, searching for yearlong wind and waves, set sail to the best kite surfing spot in the world. Bethany, eager to gain her yoga teacher certification with island style, bought a one-way ticket to that kite surfing hub. 2018 was a year bigger than either of them knew. It was a little café called Café Mambo nestled in the heart of Maui’s surfing town, where Cupid sat on the primal-colored walls. Bethany made drinks for the guests and served Levi flirtatious grins. Levi moved his way up from dishwasher to sous-chef and always cooked up jokes to make the surfer girl smile. It would be disrespectful to leave out the trampoline, so let me tell you. One night, Bethany traversed around town with friends. Not really wanting to be out, she was relieved to see a friendly face pull up. Levi offered to give her a ride home. With great delight, he immediately discovered the trampoline in her backyard. Together they bounced and laughed. Levi taught Bethany her first backflip, then later celebrated with hours of talk over pumpkin cookies on the couch. Cupid was pleased, but Bethany didn’t make it easy. Levi observed her free-spirited nature and knew she didn’t make plans. He proposed the honest question of how to ask her out if she never made plans. Luckily, his proposition included a night of luxury at the island’s world-renowned restaurant, Mama’s Fish House. A date was picked, and the two lovebirds cherished every second of that perfect night. A few days later, Bethany left the island, leaving Levi with only memories and a phone number. Thankfully, Cupid had his arrow sunk. For six years, these two called each other, each glowing when the name of the other showed up on their phone. Hours and hours, their conversations would go—sharing everything from handstand practice techniques to philosophical curiosities. These two fanned the flame of each other’s stoke from thousands of miles apart. And there was never an honest conversation spared, which only grew their bond stronger. Three weeks was supposed to be his stay on Maui. Levi returned to see Bethany on October 29th, 2024. A week in, Levi decided to extend his stay until Christmas, and by the third week, Bethany knew she was coming home to Florida. They say when you find the one you’re meant to be with, you want to start your life together yesterday. Levi and Bethany shared an address on December 13th, and Levi asked Bethany to share his last name on March 13th.