It was the first ‘early back’ rehearsal for Bradley University’s production of “Side Show.” The cast and crew all gathered into the O’Sullivan Theatre, and after some prefacing by their director, they all introduced themselves by sharing a wacky detail about them that made them a ‘freak.' Becca, a new freshman on campus, gleaming from the joy of being in her first college production, raised her hand and said, “My pinky is bent all weird.” Everyone giggled at her deformity until Peyton shared, “Mine’s the same thing!” The two didn't interact much during rehearsal until getting water at a drinking fountain. Peyton—for some reason—shared a story about telling a girl about his dead dog while on a date. Becca thought he was cute but that the joke wasn’t. Eventually, Peyton offered to take a trio of freshman girls, including Becca, to the local Panera to get to know them, but two of the three dropped out at the last minute. What started as an innocent opportunity to be a nice guy for a new girl on campus turned into an impromptu date. The conversation flowed as easily as the laughs and smiles, and before they knew it, the two became a perfect one.

Becca talked for years about visiting Door County, Wisconsin. It was her favorite place on Earth, and she demanded to show it to Peyton. It took four and a half years, but they finally went. They ate some delicious food, soaked up some sun, and caught some beautiful sunsets. While watching a perfect sunset on a bench in Ephraim, Peyton grabbed Becca’s hand, helped her up, and got down on one knee. At first, she thought he was breaking up with her, but that didn't make sense. Eventually, after seeing the tears in his eyes, she knew what he was asking. Her eyes started to well up, and she nodded in excitement. A big hug and an even bigger kiss later, the two were engaged. Peyton then whispered, “I have another surprise.” From behind cars and trees emerged members of the McDermott and Laird families who had driven up for the event in total secrecy. The nearby restaurant crackled with applause as the families ran up for hugs with tears in their eyes. Everyone was now a family, and a wedding was on the way.