Some love stories start with a grand gesture or an unexpected twist of fate. Ours? It took over a decade, a questionable karaoke performance, and a well-timed text about Jumbos. We met at Kansas State, where our lives ran in parallel—friends in the same social circles, gravitating toward each other at parties, laughing at the same jokes, and, in Todd’s case, secretly loving Kayla for her personality and the way she could light up any room. But back then, friendship was where our story stayed. Years passed, but fate kept nudging us closer. On April 18th, after a recruitment meeting, we found ourselves deep in conversation. Kayla shared how much she loved kids and how being a caregiver was her calling. That moment stuck with Todd—he already loved her joy, but now he loved her heart, too. Todd’s parents had noticed something, too. After one visit home, they decided to hold him accountable for his feelings, scrawling "Date with Kayla" on the family whiteboard. But, as life often does, time slipped away. The whiteboard message faded, and the chance seemed to pass—until Kayla sent the most unexpected text. One random Friday night, while Todd was on his usual solo outing, his phone lit up with a simple message: "Jumbos?" That text turned into the best night ever—filled with karaoke, laughter, and a spark that couldn’t be ignored. Inspired, Todd finally worked up the courage to ask her out…and Kayla said no. But fate wasn’t done meddling yet. Fast forward to Kayla's friend's graduation celebration, where a minor misstep led to a dramatic shun, heartfelt notecard speeches, and an apology that paved the way for something even better. This time, Kayla asked Todd out—on a ‘no expectations’ Kayla date. That date turned into many more. Kayla started making Wednesday night dinners after Todd’s golf rounds and hosting parties, and Todd fell in love with the way she poured her heart into cooking and caring for others. She carried hot sauce packets just for him, joined his Friday night dinners, and coined the name *Fancy Friday.* Every small moment added up to something undeniable. Then came the trip to Leoti, where Todd not only fell in love with Kayla’s family but also realized he couldn’t imagine life without her. He had already fallen in love with all the things that made her *her*—this just sealed it. So on February 14th, on the night of their Fancy Friday that started it all, in the house where they’d begin their family, Todd got down on one knee. And this time, Kayla didn’t say no.