David moved to Peshastin, Washington, and decided to give Match.com a try. Meanwhile, Kate, after one tipsy evening, created a profile of her own. Fate—or algorithms—did their magic. David stumbled across the one woman within a 100-mile radius who *didn't* want kids and sent her a message about her favorite kind of fishing.

Kate was shocked to find an intelligent, college-educated, and handsome man *with all his teeth.* Bonus points!

On December 3, 2022, they had their first date in Wenatchee. Kate suggested meeting at a brewery, and David took this as a very good sign. Things were off to an even better start when Kate started planning their second date *while still on the first.* Naturally, they spent most of their time talking about fishing and cats. On her drive home, Kate called her friend Hilary and declared, "This might be the one."

The second date was in Chelan for Italian food—David ordered the fire pasta (of course, given his love for spice). Afterward, they hit the bowling alley, because obviously, bowling is the only proper follow-up to Italian food. They spent the night dreaming up future adventures and more dates.

And so, the romance began.

Before long, they combined households...and animals—all *seven* of them—and started what some might call a mini farm (okay, that’s a stretch, but close enough). David dove into his master’s program and student teaching and somehow managed to land a rare and coveted teaching position in Manson, teaching elementary math and science.

Together, they traveled to Belize (twice!), Montana, Oregon, British Columbia, California, and the East Coast, where David met Kate’s family, who promptly rated him a 10/10.

Eventually, Kate *graciously* gave David permission to propose. Not one to waste time, David quickly bought a ring and popped the question in their kitchen—romantically, of course—after a full day of cleaning out the garage.

And now, here we are, writing the next chapter of our story. Happily ever after starts here!