It all started with a mutual friend — he was the GA for Benedictine’s wrestling team and happened to be both my hair client and a good friend. One day while I was doing his hair, he started telling me about one of the coaches he worked with. Then he showed me a picture of this very handsome guy and said, “You should meet him!”In the photo, this mystery man had a blonde faux hawk, glowing skin, and a dress shirt on. He looked a little too clean-cut for me — or so I thought. I’m more of a laid-back, casual person, so I assumed we wouldn’t have much in common.Fast forward about seven months later — I had just moved back to Atchison, ready to focus on my family, career, and a fresh start. One night, my older brother James and I went to that friend’s house to watch an MMA fight. A little before the fight started, someone walked through the door unexpectedly. My friend introduced him as “Dillon.”I’d heard the name before, but I didn’t realize who he was until I saw his face clearly under the living room light— it was the guy from that photo months ago. But this time, he wasn’t in a dress shirt. He was wearing a brown flannel, brown Vans, and a hat. He had the most striking hazel eyes, a scruffy beard, and the sweetest smile.I was instantly flustered. I ran to the bathroom to collect myself and remember thinking, “Oh great, I look like this?” I had my hair in a messy bun, sweatpants, and a sweatshirt — definitely not how I imagined meeting him for the first time. I took a deep breath and reminded myself, “You moved back to focus on yourself. Don’t get distracted by this ruggedly handsome, charming man.” But it was already too late — he had my attention.When I came back out, Dillon asked the group if anyone wanted a beer, holding up his half-drank 30-pack of Miller Lite. Without even thinking, I said, “No thanks, we don’t want any of your hot Miller Lite.” It just slipped out — and that’s how our first conversation started. I teased him the rest of the evening, fully convinced he wasn’t interested in me at all.When the night ended, I started to leave, but as I turned the corner, there he was — holding the door open and offering to walk me to my car. After all the sarcasm and teasing, he still wanted to walk me out. That simple gesture said everything about who he was — kind, thoughtful, and genuine.We talked for a few minutes by my car before I finally blurted out, “So, are you going to ask for my number or what?” Dillon laughed and did exactly that.A few days later, it was New Year’s Eve. I had went out with another single friend of mine and we decided to just rejoice in our friendship to ring in the new year. That night, I came home to a voicemail from a kind voice wishing me a Happy New Year. It was that ruggedly handsome man who walked me to my car. While everyone else was out celebrating and sharing midnight kisses, Dillon chose to call me. That simple, sincere moment told me everything I needed to know about his heart.From that night on, I knew he was the one — and the rest is history.