I didn't used to believe in the commonly heard phrase: "When you know, you know." We've all heard this at some point, I don't exactly need to go into detail about its context. It was just a superstition to me. For a long time, I believed it was just a fairytale. I was under the impression it was a myth of sorts, something that was used to encourage relationships and provide hope for many. Well, I was very wrong about that.

In August of 2021, I met a certain young woman at Washburn University. We had a cringeworthy class together that all oncoming freshman were required to take, but I come to find out later that same course would set me on a path of meeting the greatest woman I've ever met. Having met her when we still had a mask mandate, I could tell she was a cute girl despite half of her face being blocked. Our first dialogue with each other was helping solve a riddle about 3 boxes. Although I can't quite remember the details, I remember watching her cute face swivel from the screen to my attention as she described why my answer was wrong. I had no concern of what the answer was, I was just so intrigued with this mysterious young woman.

I came to find out her name was Kylie Alexander. Coming from a small-town in rural Missouri (which I didn't think anything that golden could ever come from there) it didn't take much for me to realize how interesting of a person she was. She was stinkin' smart, had a nice sense of humor, and she was blonde! That was the most interesting part for me, cause I never saw that coming!

By next semester, in the Spring of 2022, we sealed our relationship and knew very early on what we wanted from each other. I wanted her hand in marriage, and she wanted my last name (who wouldn't want to be a Davis?) Unlike past experiences, for Kylie, I did not have to weigh or calculate the costs and benefits of marrying her. I knew it was her. It was her all along. By 2-3 months into our relationship, I certainly discovered the truth: when you know, you know. And I certainly did. And I haven't looked back since.

When I first started my collegiate education at Washburn University, it never occurred to me that I might meet the love of my life there. I was in awe of this new life that I had unfolding in front of me; I was making new friends, building relationships with new teachers, and most importantly learning who I am as a person.

I very clearly remember the first time I ever met Caden, we were sitting in our WU101 (College Orientation) class and we started to bond over the fact that we were both Accounting majors. After that, he invited me to study with him in the school's library.

From there we grew closer as friends, sharing interests in personality quizzes and biblical theology. I admired him for how well he spoke and how kind he was to me, but I never once considered that we would be where we are today.

From that first meeting I grew to know Caden to be more than the serious, professional young man that he initially comes off as, but as the most goofy, comedic guy who I never had to worry about being bored with.

Over time and with lots of study sessions, I began to consider Caden to be one of my best friends, so when things started to get more serious between us it came as no surprise. Every day is a new adventure, whether that be Target trips or the most random little dates.

One thing I have known since I grew to know (and love) Caden is I cannot imagine my life without him. I am beyond overjoyed to spend the rest of my life with this great man.