Forever & Ever

It all started in the summer of 2017, at a lakehouse on Lake Martin. Cailin was there with a group of friends. Mason, on the other hand, was already there with his crew, living it up on jet skis. While everyone else hung out on the lily pad and dock, Mason was off on the water, leaving just a brief “Hey” to Cailin before she had to head home for curfew. Months went by without much contact, until life brought them together through a mutual friend. This time, they started hanging out—watching movies, riding four-wheelers at Mason’s family’s barn, driving around listening to music. They had fun, but life had a way of pulling them in different directions, and soon they stopped talking again. Then, on July 4th, 2022, Mason reached out. A simple text: “You want to come to the lake?” Cailin had plans with her family that day, but something about that message felt different. She replied, “Can’t, tomorrow?” And just like that, their second chance was set—this time, at Chuy’s at The Summit. It was Cailin’s first time agreeing to a spontaneous date, but there was something about Mason that made her feel at ease. Over dinner, they laughed and talked like no time had passed. They picked up right where they’d left off, and for the first time, everything just felt... right. From that day forward, they found themselves back where they always should’ve been—together. What started as a simple "Hey" by the lake turned into a love story they’ll carry with them forever.

After not seeing or hearing from each other in over four years, Mason and Cailin finally reconnected on July 5th, 2022. They met at Chuy’s, a familiar spot, where the anticipation of seeing each other again hung in the air. Of course, there was a wait for a table, so they sat outside at a small table, catching up in between nervous laughs. It had been so long, and the awkwardness of the first few minutes made them both realize how much they’d missed one another. Once seated at a high-top table near the bar, things started to feel more comfortable. As they dug into chips and dip, Mason couldn’t resist—he had to tell her: “Did you know there are soccer balls hidden all over this place?” Cailin, skeptical and thinking he was just trying to mess with her, rolled her eyes. “Really? Are you just seeing how gullible I am?” But Mason, being Mason, was serious. He even asked the waitress, who confirmed: Yes, there really were soccer balls hidden throughout the restaurant. They spent the next few minutes scanning the walls and corners, looking for the elusive soccer balls. After all their searching, they found... zero. But the hunt was hilarious, and the shared laughter helped ease any lingering nerves. After dinner, neither of them wanted the night to end. With a playful “What now?” they decided to go watch a movie. Cailin climbed into the front seat of Mason’s truck, just like she used to back in the day, and they drove to his parents’ house, just like before. They watched a horror movie, just like they used to, the comfort of it all making it feel like they hadn’t skipped a beat. When the night finally came to a close, and Mason dropped Cailin off at her car, she couldn’t help but smile. In that moment, she realized—he’s the one. It wasn’t the chips, the soccer balls, or even the movie. It was the way everything felt so natural, like they were always meant to be together.

The day Mason proposed started as a fun, relaxing beach day filled with sunshine, snacks, and ocean fun. I knew we had a photo session planned later, but I had no idea what was coming. After getting ready and having dinner, Mason and Ashton secretly planned while Trevor distracted me with casual conversation. As we walked the boardwalk, I sensed something special. When Ashton asked me to look the other way, I turned back to see Mason on one knee, smiling with the biggest grin, holding out a gorgeous ring. Overwhelmed, I hugged him, saying, “I knew it!” before saying “Yes, yes, yes!” He slipped the ring on my finger, lifted me up, and hugged me tightly. Ashton cried and welcomed me as her future sister, making the moment even sweeter. Later, when Mason and I were alone, I let my emotions out, jumping with joy and showering him with hugs and kisses. We celebrated with a trip to Target and FaceTimed my parents, who were thrilled (especially since Mason had already asked my dad for his blessing). Back at the condo, we shared the news with Mason’s parents, who were overjoyed. It was a perfect day, filled with so much love and happiness.