In 2021, Grace and Jake both accepted jobs with the Stockton Ports. Grace joined the front office running social media, while Jake worked on the field as the Athletic Trainer. Jake was only supposed to be in Stockton temporarily, but a week before the season started, he got the call that he would be staying for the entire season. Neither of them knew anyone in the new town, but they met within the first month. During the height of COVID protocols, Jake couldn’t eat at restaurants, so he brought Thai food to Grace’s apartment. They ended up talking on the couch until 2 a.m., laughing and sharing stories before Jake had to head home for a few hours of sleep before his early workday. A couple of days later, Jake invited Grace to Five Windows Brewery in Lodi. She said yes… and promptly spilled her drink on him within the first five minutes. Instead of reacting, Jake just laughed it off and bought her another drink, a moment that perfectly set the tone for their relationship. Throughout the season, adventures became routine. They explored San Francisco and Santa Cruz on off days, and what had once been a “new town” started to feel like home whenever they were together. When the season ended, Jake wasn’t sure where he would go next. He settled in downtown Los Angeles, just 15 minutes from Grace’s family home in Pasadena. He lived there for about two weeks before getting a call to work the remainder of the off-season in Puerto Rico. After two long months apart, Grace decided her time in Stockton was up and it was time to move back home. For the 2022 season, Grace started a new job with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, while Jake was placed in Michigan. Unsure about long-distance, Jake hesitated, but Grace looked him in the eyes and said, “Whatever you want, but you’re never going to get rid of me.” After a year in Michigan and another off-season, but this time in the Dominican Republic, Jake was placed in Midland, Texas for the 2023 season. While his living situation changed every six months, one thing stayed constant: Grace never left. After 2.5 years of “friendship,” Jake finally realized that maybe Grace really wasn’t going anywhere - so he finally decided to make it official! Now, long-distance is behind them. They live together in Las Vegas with their daughter (puppy) Zoe, who has completely stolen their hearts. They’ll always be grateful to the Stockton Ports for bringing two people from opposite coasts together, and they can’t wait to spend the rest of their lives side by side. So glad Grace stuck to her word - and never let him get rid of her.