You’ve probably heard this one already — mostly because Mia cannot stop talking about it — but here’s the official version. We met at a friend’s wedding, where we were very obviously being set up. A few months earlier, Mia got a call from the groom, who gave her the rundown on this “31-year-old, recently divorced PhD student.” Cade, on the other hand, got no background info whatsoever — just told by his parents (not even the couple!) that he’d be sitting next to a single girl. Lucky him. Fast forward to the wedding — sparks flew, conversations flowed, and Cade instantly impressed Mia by asking, “Wait, why are you living in San Diego if you go to Northwestern?” That single question had Mia thinking, Wow, he actually listened. Revolutionary. Later that night, while everyone else was dancing, Cade asked Mia if she wanted to “talk among the stars.” (Smooth move.) She said yes, obviously, and the night ended with Mia offering Cade a ride home in her dad Gary’s Honda Pilot — a bold choice considering she’s been in four car accidents, all her fault. Cade didn’t know that yet. Naive. Somehow, he survived the ride and introduced her to his parents that same night. They stayed up talking until sunrise, and Mia decided right then she was going to marry him. Cade… did not. (He’d get there later — when he accidentally slipped the special four-letter word two weeks after they officially started dating.) And that’s how it started — one setup, one risky car ride, one slightly delusional girl who knew immediately, and one guy who accidentally fell in love faster than he meant to.
From literally day one, Mia started bugging Cade about getting engaged. Like… not even subtle hints, full-on campaign mode. (“So when’s the ring?” became her love language.) Cade played it cool, but behind that chill exterior, he was scheming. Then came the first surprise: Cade brought in reinforcements. Enter Jolie — Mia’s best friend and ultimate hype woman — who flew in for a visit. They went ring shopping, and at one point Jolie looked Cade dead in the eye and said, “Get her the hidden halo or else.” (She meant it. He listened.) A few months later, Mia’s family came to town, Jolie was there too, and Mia was convinced it was happening. It was a perfect opportunity but nothing. No proposal. Just vibes. So naturally, Mia spiraled. Then on Father’s Day, Cade told Mia they were going to a baby shower. Which… fine, normal day. Except surprise! It wasn’t a baby shower at all — he drove her to a private greenhouse (Mia's dream proposal spot). Inside, she spotted their friend Holly hiding behind a shed with a camera, and at that point, she kind of knew. Cade started with, “You know I’m already committed to you, but…” and honestly, neither of them remembers anything after that because: jumping, laughing and immediate screaming. They did, in fact, still stop by the baby shower (because multitasking), and when they got home — plot twist — all their friends were waiting in the backyard! Jolie had secretly been hiding out in Syd’s house for two whole days just to surprise her again. Then Cade’s parents popped out too because apparently everyone was in on it. Cade pulled it off! The night ended with twinkle lights, Thai food, and a dinner that felt straight out of a cozy family sitcom. ;-)