Prologue

Setting: St. Benedict's School. Year: est. 2011.

In the 3rd grade, Nick and Kaleb hatched a plan. They must become family. How could they accomplish such a feat? Through marriage, of course! Each family had eligible siblings at the time and the combinations were many. However, none seemed to stick and Nick and Kaleb were forced to part ways with their dream to become brothers until one fateful evening over a decade since the original plan was born...

First Contact

Setting: Family Bonfire. Date: May 2023.

This evening, Kaleb recalled his long-ago-abandoned plan to make Nick a part of the family. As the family was gathered 'round the fire, Samantha was saying that she was pretty much done with dating as it was too complicated and messy. She would like to adopt another cat and perhaps a puppy instead. But Kaleb saw this as an opportunity to be the ultimate wingman and suggested she add Nick's contact information to her phone. Samantha had known Nick for several years (16 years, to be exact). In fact, they had played the role of happy couple in a film for a contest and in a Bishop Carroll High School musical (some may recall Sir Harry and Lady Larken). So, Samantha was quite skeptical about such an arrangement as she was used to Nick being Kaleb's best friend and that guy from drama club who spoke in a Russian accent behind the scenes. However, contact information was provided and accepted. One would think the courtship began here, but, alas. Nick was too busy being financially responsible to engage in a relationship with a woman at that time. The two parted ways with no hard feelings and life went on. Kaleb was once again, woefully defeated.

Take Two

Setting: The Hilyer Household. Date: December 15, 2023

Kaleb would not allow his scheme to sit by the wayside any longer. Samantha was once again, bemoaning that dating was a pain and that she had not found a person that made the little moments in life simply better. Kaleb reached out to Nick to let him know that he still had a chance with Samantha due to these complaints and Kaleb informed her that such a declaration was sent. However, Samantha could not wait a moment longer to have a conversation with Nick, so she reached out first. Not too long afterward, a date was made for December 30th to see The Lights on the Lake. From that date forth, the two entered a courtship that lasted until April. In April, they officially became a couple and on December 22, 2024, Nick proposed at the Ebensburg 12 Days of Christmas lights and Samantha could not be happier that she found the person who makes going to the grocery store a fun trip.

S&N