Jacob and Nicole met during their sophomore year of high school when home rooms became a thing. Students were assigned home rooms alphabetically; as luck would have it, Nicole and Jacob were assigned to sit next to each other. A friendship was born after some ruthless Rummy games, magic tricks, and a love of sports!

Speaking of luck, as life would have it, Nicole and Jacob were able to reconnect in the summer of 2017 when they were both home for the summer. One thing led to another, and they decided to try their luck hanging out and going to the Hancock County Fair. Here, Jacob made Nicole try deep-fried Oreos, and it's rumored that Nicole has yet to try them since.

Nicole and Jacob were long-distance from August 2017 through May 2018, with Nicole in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and Jacob in Franklin, Indiana. They started making the trip back and forth with their first visit to see each other in September 2017 when they attended Blues Fest and the Prime Music Festival with Nicole's sister and brother-in-law.

While Jake was away at school, Nicole was back home in Indiana and decided it was time for a furry companion! On a random Friday, she went to the animal shelter and met Ms. Bella Boo. It was an immediate connection, and Nicole knew she was bringing her home. It was quite a surprise for Jake, but he quickly took to Bella; they are the biggest cuddle buddies to this day and go on many adventures together. We may treat her like an only child but all that matters is that she's loved.

Nicole had an apartment between Jake's school and work. Jake spent a lot of time at Nicole's, but when COVID shut down the school, we took the giant leap and started living together! It was a bit of an adjustment, but it worked out just fine! Bella was pleased to have both of us around all the time, too!