This fairytale begins as most do in the modern day and age: with a dating app. Facebook Dating, to be specific. Both at a point of dating fatigue, their paths crossed at just the right time. Caleb had shown interest in Rachel on the app, but at the time she was seeing someone and missed it. Months later, after parting ways with that fellow, she happened to revisit her potential suitors and stumbled across two charming smiles: Caleb’s, and his daughter, Raylynn. Caleb’s profile was very to the point in that it was clear he was looking for a forever partner. Something very refreshing and different from the mass array of those who participate in “hook up” culture. It also made clear how important Ray is in his life, and that they were a package deal. Rachel messaged him to see if he was open to talking. Being fresh off a breakup, Caleb wasn’t too keen on diving into a new relationship, but thankfully agreed to talking. And thus were the flames of romance rekindled anew. The two couldn’t stop talking. The conversation flowed so naturally, and progressed as the days went on into constant messaging back and forth. Eventually phone numbers were traded, and then the long late night calls began. An in-person date was absolutely a no-brainer. A week and a half later - it happened. On March 19, 2022, the same chemistry they experienced through technology bubbled over in person, and it was clear very quickly something magical was happening. They made it official the next day; remember, no one was messing around here. Rachel also got to meet Ray that day. Without spending a night apart, within a couple months they decided to move in together and take the next step in their relationship. When you know, you know.

Fast-forward one year. Picture a modest but happy household. Despite all that life had to throw at them during the year, Caleb and Rachel were still blissfully in love and deeply committed to one another. Raylynn loved having Rachel around, and Rachel loved being with them. Caleb wanted to recreate their first date, which included dinner in downtown Pensacola at Cactus Cantina, followed by a visit to Peterbrooke Choclatier. They skipped the arcade game bar though; they are both gamers (Caleb more than Rachel), but this bar was a funny memory they agreed could stay that way. They decided next to head to the Frisky Dolphin on Pensacola Beach for a drink and a breathtaking view of the beautiful sunset from the deck overlooking the bay. Despite the chilly weather that evening, they decided to keep the night going with a walk on the beach. Little did Rachel know, Caleb had more than just a walk on the beach up his sleeve. “Are you having a good night?” Caleb asked Rachel when they parked. “Most definitely,” Rachel replied. “Good,” said Caleb, “because it’s about to get a whole lot better.” As they approached the sand, Rachel noticed what looked like candles. As it turned out, a huge heart had been dug into the sand, outlined with dozens of LED candles and rose petals. “Is this for me?” she asked. “It sure is,” he replied. Caleb pulled Rachel to the center of the heart, and then made it clear he had every intention of spending the rest of his life with her. He pulled out a Poké Ball, and inside was a ring. “I choose you,” he said. Rachel gleefully accepted, geekiness and all. The rest is history. Caleb and Rachel cannot wait to celebrate their love and union with the people they care about the most!