Becoming the Comforts

Kayla and Ray met while working together at Apple. Ray will tell you he noticed Kayla right away. He thought she was a manager due to her huge intellect (and huge tendency to boss everyone around lol). Kayla will tell you she was so consumed by her impending return to Ohio (planned in the next few months) that she didnt notice the new, cute guy right away. The first time Kayla and Ray interacted, Kayla offered Ray her leftover (and now famous) quinoa and turkey meatballs. The next day Ray returned the favor with his homemade red beans and rice. They talked about their shared love of cooking. From there a friendship blossomed. One week Kayla missed a few days of work due to catching a horrible respiratory infection. Ray will tell you this is where he started to fall for Kayla; he called her to check on her while offering to bring her soup an hour away (she lived in Vicksburg and he in Jackson) because he was worried. Soon it wasnt hard to see that there was more between the two. Most of their fellow employees realized it before they did. Ray and Kaylas first unofficial/official date was at a restaurant in Jackson called Georgia Blue. Ray ordered red beans and rice and Kayla ordered shrimp and grits. This is where Kayla will tell you she started to fall for Ray as he ate most of her dinner right off of her plate. (Ray, order the shrimp and grits next time lol) For the next two months they grew closer by talking on the phone and at work. Kayla would tell Ray about Ohio’s amazing park system as Ray was an avid runner and hiker. And Ray would crack Kayla up with his heavy use of puns and corny jokes. Then on March 25th, 2014 Kayla and Ray decided to take a trip to New Orleans for fun. As they were about to start the three hour road trip, at a gas station in Jackson, MS; Ray asked Kayla if she’d like to make their relationship official and she said yes. One year later Ray followed Kayla 1500 miles to Ohio where they started their next chapter.

About four years have passed: two states, four moves, two jobs, three surgeries, and a little one on the way; Ray and Kayla have endured and experienced a lot. That previous June while on a family vacation with Kayla’s family in Florida, Ray asked Kaylas dad for her hand in marriage while playing him in a large size chess game. Her dad says yes. Two weeks later Ray and Kayla discover that someone special would be rounding out their little family come November. Theyre scared but very excited. One week before Miles makes an appearance, Ray takes Kayla to one of their favorite restaurants in Cleveland. Its overlooking the city skyline and the water. The moon is full and bright and the air crisp. They have a delicious meal while reminiscing on the years that have led them to this point. Ray still eats off of Kayla’s plate. Later on the observatory deck Ray takes Kayla’s hands in his. He gets down on one knee and asks her to marry him and be his best friend and teammate forever. Kayla says yes. They’re becoming the Comforts.