The story begins at Ohio Northern University—though, for years, Todd and Madeline never knew how close they already were. Todd was three years ahead, having graduated two years before Madeline would ever step across the same campus paths. They were always just one person away—circling the same friend groups, showing up at the same parties, sharing the same memories from different angles—unbeknownst to either of them. It wasn’t until fate decided the timing was right that their worlds finally collided. Todd returned to Ohio Northern as an alumnus for a friend’s birthday celebration, and there, among familiar faces, he met Madeline. From the moment they began talking, something quietly extraordinary unfolded. Conversation came effortlessly—deep, curious, and unending. Hours passed like minutes, and by morning, both had canceled their weekend plans without hesitation, choosing instead to spend the rest of the weekend together. From that day forward, the two were inseparable. They talked constantly—calls that lasted late into the night, messages that made the days brighter. Todd, ever-persistent and full of heart, courted Madeline patiently, convincing her over a few months to give love a chance. When she finally did, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. Life, of course, had its miles between them. Madeline moved from Toledo to Michigan while Todd built his life in Columbus. Yet, every weekend, they bridged the distance—driving hours to see each other, finding home in the moments they could share. Long-distance was hard, but somehow, their love never felt far away. A few years later, Madeline made the move to Columbus, and the two began building a life side by side. One persuasive PowerPoint (and a little begging) later, Todd agreed to bring home their sweet pup, Sonny—a curly ball of sunshine. Now, as they step into this next chapter, Todd and Madeline look back in awe at the near misses and the beautiful timing that finally brought them together. After all, the best love stories don’t just happen—they unfold exactly when they’re meant to.