J.D. and Mckenzie almost crossed paths several times but they think fate waited for them to meet until they were both ready for each other. They both went to Smoky Mountain High School but did not find each other just yet. Instead, their best friends Jake Walker and Emily Starnes became good friends (this is important for later). J.D. and Mckenzie went on about their lives through different universities and J.D. entered the U.S. Navy. In October 2019 J.D. was transferred from San Diego to Norfolk and on the way between the two he stopped to see Jake and other close friends in Waynesville, NC. Emily was also living in Waynesville at the time and extended Jakes invitation to go to Boojum Brewing to Mckenzie. Over a pint of Oktoberfest Lager the two finally met. They bonded over how good at foosball Mckenzie is and how thoroughly J.D. was defeated. Mckenzie thought that the long distance would mean nothing would come of their meeting. J.D. was determined to show her how wrong she was. J.D. would drive down and back every other weekend for months to take Mckenzie on dates, bring her roses, and they would strengthen their connection. On New Years the two enjoyed going around Sylva's small night life with their friends. Shortly after midnight J.D. whispered those three important words, so quietly that Mckenzie could almost pretend she didn't hear. She thought it over and oh so quietly said it back, so quietly that J.D. did not hear. A few days later J.D., Mckenzie, Jake, and Emily all went to Asheville together to throw axes and enjoy some general merriment. J.D. and Mckenzie split off for a dinner date and it was while by themselves that they finally said "I love you" out loud for each other to hear.