If you know Karla and Nick, you know their story really started in high school—but the crush began much earlier. Back in middle school, Karla had a thing for Nick. Maybe it was the Justin Bieber-style hair. Maybe it was the drumsticks sticking out of his backpack. Whatever it was, she was hooked. Fast forward to high school, when Karla’s best friend, Beja, finally convinced her to message Nick on Twitter (back when Twitter was still Twitter). Their first date was anything but traditional: meeting at the Pink Elephant self-car wash, Karla in her pink Honda Civic and Nick in his lowered Volkswagen Golf. Somehow, it was perfect. Conversation came easily, and they instantly clicked. As graduation approached, life pulled them in different directions. Nick headed off to Boise for college, while Karla stayed closer to home. They cared deeply about each other, but both knew they still had growing to do. Over the years, people came and went, but one thing remained the same: their connection. Every few months they would check in, and every couple of years they’d meet up and catch up. The timing never seemed quite right—but neither of them ever completely left the other’s life. Then one day, Nick slid into Karla’s Snapchat... and promptly disappeared. What Karla didn’t know was that Nick had left to fish in Alaska with zero cell service. For two weeks, she wondered what happened. When he finally returned, he had some explaining to do. Fortunately for him, Karla was willing to hear him out. The next few months were filled with flights to Boise, drives to Seattle, and plenty of time spent figuring out whether this could really work. It didn’t take long to realize that no amount of distance could keep them apart—and this time, the timing was finally right. Picking up where they left off felt surprisingly easy. So much was familiar, yet they had both grown into people who fit together even better than before. Karla reconnected with the Brainard family over home-cooked meals, long conversations, and thoughtful advice. Nick got to know Karla’s siblings again, especially the younger ones who had grown up so much since he had last seen them. He still swears that Alena is Karla’s mini-me. Their relationship grew through road trips, shared playlists, inside jokes, and countless conversations. Together they explored Idaho, Utah, Arizona, California, Oregon, and the Washington coast. Between weekend getaways, summer adventures, and Nick spending seasons fishing in Alaska, they realized that the connection they had never fully lost had grown into something neither of them could imagine living without. Eventually, Nick worked up the courage to ask Karla’s father—and, just as importantly, Nomo—for permission to marry her. The wait that followed was not easy for Karla, but some things are worth being patient for. Over Fourth of July weekend, Karla managed to take some time off work, and the three of them headed to Nick’s family cabin, one of their favorite places. During a walk to their favorite viewpoint—also Nomo’s favorite spot because he “gets to poop with a view”—Nick got down on one knee and asked Karla to marry him. She said yes. And now, they can’t wait to celebrate with all of you.