Zack and Niki’s first date was at a board game café, a low-key start that quickly revealed a few things: Niki has a quiet competitive streak, and Zack either loses gracefully or lets others win (still up for debate). They spent nearly four hours playing games and talking about everything and nothing. It wasn’t the games that stood out, but how easy it felt, the kind of conversation that flows naturally, full of curiosity and laughter, with that unmistakable feeling that something special was starting. By the end of the night, no one could say for sure who won, but they both knew they wanted a second date. Since then, they’ve explored new cities, built a home together, parented one very opinionated cat, and shared more meals and laughs than they can count. After years of love, growth, and everyday moments, they’re finally ready to make it official.