Down For Downs

A few months before our first date, Cale came down to Toni’s desk to ask for a dose estimate. We both worked at a nuclear power plant and had known of each other, but as Cale would say, work is work. That conversation that started about a dose estimate grew into other things outside of work. After that, Toni would see Cale at work and stop to talk to him every chance she got. Cale, did not show any interest at first, and was definitely playing hard to get. This was a whole new experience for Toni as she wasn’t familiar with showing interest in someone and it not being reciprocated. Later, Toni would find out that Cale did like her but was playing it cool, and his game was strong. One night, Toni’s son (who was 9) told her to just call him. Toni told Dru she didn’t have his number, so he told her to “just search him on the internet.” Cale didn’t have social media, so she figured it would be a long shot. Lo and behold to Toni’s surprise, Cale’s expertise at hiding his personal information was sub par, leading to a published phone number connected to his name. Toni called it and Cale’s voice answered. Cale instantly knew who was calling him and a first date was planned. The first date was amazing! It started with steak then ended with star gazing and deep conversations at the lake on a porch swing until the early hours of the morning. They both knew this was something more after that night. Of course, it was only natural that Toni (who is an over-thinker) got cold feet. (Or “scared” if you ask Cale.) She told Cale that she had so much going on in her life, she didn’t think it was the right time for a serious relationship. For a few weeks, they semi stayed in touch. Then Toni realized telling Cale that was a big mistake. After that realization, she called him and asked him to hang out again. Thankfully he said yes! After a few more dates, Cale told her if she would have let him, he would have been by her side through “all the things she had going on in her life that caused her to get scared,” and wanted to be in that place for the future. Toni knew his words and actions were true and this man was who she prayed for. Our favorite song is by Muscadine Bloodline titled, “I Can’t Tell You No.” This song really emulates a lot of who we are to each other along with the song “Porch Swing Angel.” Over the past six years, Toni has noted that Cale can in-fact tell Toni no. But, it’s something she can live with. We are so honored to have everyone here to help us celebrate. We have gone from acquaintances, to friends, to boyfriend and girlfriend, to best friends, to fiancé, and now to Husband and Wife. -Cale and Toni