Cait and Lucas met at a Christmas party during their freshman year at the University of Notre Dame. It was at this time that Cait decided they would be best friends. For the rest of that school year their friendship grew, and even after their school sent them home due to the pandemic, they would often call each other to check in and maintain their sanity.

Cait and Lucas dressed as Santa with all of their friends for the final home game of the year!

The summer of 2020, Cait and her family went on a vacation to Colorado. While there, she took a few days away from her family to visit Lucas and their mutual friend, Maeve. Even though they both wouldn't admit it, Cait and Lucas were developing feelings for each other, and poor Maeve had to witness every awkward interaction.

In the fall of 2020 Notre Dame returned to in-person classes although many restrictions were in place. Still, Cait and Lucas would often spend time together outside, and after finally admitting their feelings for each other Lucas asked Cait out on their first official date.

That winter, Lucas made his first visit to Cait's home in snowy Minnesota, and in the spring he joined the Heaney's for what would be the first of many family Easter trips to Chicago. Over the summer Cait visited Lucas's family in Colorado for the first time as his girlfriend :)

The next year was filled with many more dates, football games, visits to each other's homes, and another Easter picture at the bean. Most importantly, Cait got CJ's (Lucas's brother) very formal handshake of approval

In their third year together Cait and Lucas did much of the same, and that May was filled with celebrations as they both graduated from Notre Dame. After graduation Cait began working at U.S. Bank in Minneapolis and after his summer break Lucas began medical school at Midwestern University just outside of Chicago. They were sad to be long distance, but they enjoyed every visit they had with each other

That fall Cait visited Lucas for his white coat ceremony and she stayed with his family for Christmas that winter. By this time, Lucas had gotten Cait's ring and was working out a plan to surprise her soon...

Unbeknownst to Cait, Lucas drove down to Minnesota and decorated a small hiking trail near her home to surprise her during one of her family walks. Cait was delighted and said yes!