Kat and A.J. met in May 2018. They had each been hired to work the summer season of The Black Hills Playhouse and arrived a few days early for different reasons. A.J. was starting his sixth summer season with the company, but this was Kat's first year. Kat's friend Kat (confusing right?) had worked with A.J. the summer before and introduced them. As corny as it sounds, Kat knew the moment she saw A.J. sitting in a lawn chair outside the dining hall, that he was going to be a very important part of her life, she just didn't know how quite yet. She told him as much during their first few solitary days before the rest of the company arrived. Outside of work, the pair were together almost constantly for the next two weeks. It was at that point that they agreed that neither wanted just a summer fling, but they weren't sure they were up for long-distance. After a difficult conversation following a late night work-call, the two decided to take a break and reevaluate their feelings for each other in a few weeks. They lasted three days. On June 19th, 2018 they agreed to try and make long-distance work. For their first date as a couple, they enjoyed fine dining at Pizza Ranch, which pretty much set the tone for their entire relationship. No matter where they are, or how much time they have together, they enjoy the little things and make the most of every second together. The distance has made their love strong, but they can't wait to be together forever.