In a small town where everyone knew each other’s names and secrets weren’t so secret, two high school athletes lived parallel lives. Colin was the type of guy who always had a friendly smile for everyone. Brooke, on the other hand, was known for her fierce determination on the softball field, her fiery spirit matched only by the kindness in her heart. Colin and Brooke’s love story began quietly—almost as if it had been waiting in the wings for just the right moment to unfold.

Colin would watch Brooke’s softball games, cheering from the bleachers. Although they shared hallways and competed in the same sports world, their paths never really crossed. They knew of each other, but never really spoke. It was one of those situations where you can feel the connection without ever acknowledging it.

Then came college.

It was the summer of 2019 when fate finally decided it was time for them to meet, or rather, for Colin to make his move. He was scrolling through Instagram one evening when he saw Brooke had posted a story about a new country song — a song called “Big Big Plans” by Chris Lane. He knew enough to know that people often posted songs that meant something to them, and without thinking twice, he slid into her DMs.

“I love that song! Chris Lane is great!”

There was just one problem: Colin had never actually heard the song. In fact, he didn’t even know who Chris Lane was. But that didn’t matter. The moment he saw the post, he knew it was his chance to start a conversation.

When Brooke saw the message, she couldn’t contain her excitement. She jumped up from her couch and ran to show her mom. "Mom! Look! Colin just messaged me!" Her mom looked at the screen, smiling knowingly. “I knew he liked you,” she said with a teasing grin.

To his relief, Brooke responded. The chat started casual, just a few messages exchanged about music and small talk. But as they continued to chat over the next few days, something clicked. It felt easy, comfortable, like they’d known each other for years.

That simple message, based on nothing more than a shared song lyric, was the spark that ignited something real. From there, Colin and Brooke started talking more and more, discovering that they had a lot in common, both in their passions and their dreams for the future. They spent the next few months growing closer, until one day, Colin asked Brooke out on their first official date—July 4th, 2019, at Woodstone Country Club. It was a perfect summer night—warm enough to sit outside and watch the fireworks light up the sky.

And maybe it was the fireworks, or the magic of the night, but by the end of the date, they shared a kiss.

A few weeks later, on July 23, 2019, Colin and Brooke officially became a couple. The relationship grew stronger with every passing day. College life gave them more opportunities to learn about each other’s dreams, quirks, and the little things that made them laugh. They spent weekends going on dates and spent quality time together at home.

They traveled together, laughed together, and even faced a few challenges. But no matter what, they were a team. Their connection, which had begun on the sidelines of a softball game, now flourished in the moments they spent together.

The years flew by, and after they graduated in 2022, life started to feel like it was falling into place. Brooke began graduate school to get her doctorate in Physical Therapy. Colin always supported her by helping her study and by being her test subject for many of her exams.

Colin had always known Brooke was the one, but it wasn’t until June 4th of 2023 that he finally worked up the courage to ask her a question that had been on his heart for so long.

He took her back to Heisler’s Dairy Farm and Mini Golf, a place that held so many memories for them both. It was where their families had spent countless summers together, a spot they always returned to, year after year. As they walked the familiar path, Colin took her hand and led her to a quiet spot by the miniature golf course. The sun was setting, and everything felt just right.

“Brooke, will you marry me?”

Tears welled up in Brooke’s eyes as she said YES — her voice choked with emotion, but her smile wider than ever.

And just like that, their story—written over years of shared moments, first dates, long conversations, and unspoken promises—was ready to begin its next chapter.

They are excited for what the future holds, ready to start their lives together, build a family, and make new memories. For them, the small town, the softball fields, and the country club will always be reminders of where their love began.

Brooke and Colin’s story is proof that sometimes, love doesn’t shout to be heard. It waits patiently on the sidelines, quietly, until one day it’s given the chance to take center stage.

#ForeverRex

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