Some people meet through friends. Some on apps. We met because my Kia Optima decided to fall apart in 2024. When my car started giving me problems, I brought it to a local auto shop where Ben just so happened to be the manager. He was calm, kind, incredibly patient, and for the first time, I felt like I was talking to someone who genuinely wanted to help me instead of upselling me on things I didn’t understand. Every time I left, I found myself a little more curious about the man behind the counter. Then one day while I was at work, my mom brought my car in for me. Naturally, I asked her to do what any good mother would do and casually investigate whether he was wearing a wedding ring. The second she reported back that he wasn’t, I knew I had to make my move. So I finally worked up the courage to talk to him, and not long after, he asked me on our first date. From there, everything moved pretty quickly… despite the fact that I spent the first month trying to convince myself I should probably friend-zone him. Deep down though, I think I knew almost immediately that he was going to be the man I married. Since then, Ben has changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. He has loved me so intentionally, supported me endlessly, challenged me to grow, and most importantly, brought me closer to God. He has been the greatest example of steady, faithful love, and every day I thank God for bringing him into my life. So no… the Kia Optima didn’t survive. But somehow, a broken-down car led me straight to the love of my life…and I think that was a pretty good trade.