In 2010, Clayton visited Living Hope Church for the first time and saw Lauren sitting near the front of the auditorium. He thought "who is that" and set out to get to know her. Lauren was already in a serious relationship and shortly married. Clayton soon became best friends with Lauren's brother, Jared. Over the coming years, Lauren found herself a single mother. Jared invited Lauren and Haven on a Labor Day Hike to Pole Steeple with Clayton in September 2018. At the summit of the hike, Clayton said to Haven "look at this beautiful creation God made for us". Lauren's interest was peaked and the rest is history.
On November 10, 2019, Clayton blindfolded Lauren after church and off they went on an adventure. Lauren is notoriously difficult to surprise and, after the blindfold was removed, was thrilled to see they were back at Pole Steeple. They hiked the trail together, surrounded by beautiful fall foliage and a cool breeze. This time, instead of talking to a toddler at the summit, Clayton got down on one knee. And Lauren said "Yes".