A Soft Launch Into the Best Decision I Ever Made

Subtitle: Because it’s our 4 year anniversary this week, and sometimes you have to sabotage a few things to win.

We went to high school together, Corbin and I. But we didn’t talk. He was just kind of there, quiet in a low-key way, and somehow untouched by all the drama I regularly enrolled myself in. Meanwhile, I was either falling for the wrong guy or chasing one who barely knew I existed. Balance.

And either way, one of my best friends had a thing for Corbin for years, so he was permanently off-limits. Girl code. Plus, Corb was super nerdy in high school and did not yet have a beard, which I’m a big fan of. I like some mountain man vibes.

Years later, that same friend was getting married and invited me to her church group that day (bless), and boom, there he was again. But this time he was a little more grown up.

And lucky for him, it was perfect timing.

Because the very church-appropriate high-slit dress I had safety pinned that morning? She gave up mid-service.

Kate was showing LEG. Like, the whole leg. And then some.

Luckily, I was heavy into dance and hiking at the time, so I could pull off that accidental leg reveal. And Corbin? He’s a leg guy. So. You’re welcome, sir.

We had a conversation that day about a literal tractor. He sounded like he knew what he was talking about, and I was a big fan of who I secretly referred to from then on as “farm boy” to my friends and family. (Oh yeah, every boy I ever dated or spoke to got a special nickname. Not all were good lol.) Spoiler: neither he nor his family were farmers. A hobby farm came into existence as we were getting married, but Kate did not end up married to the farmer’s son. HAHA.

Now to the actual dating story:

It started with a competition. (Sorry to the other girl if you’re reading this. Text me so we can laugh about it.) A small comment like “First one to kiss him wins” was made, and I took that very seriously.

There was a lot of strategizing on how to get myself ahead.

I don’t believe in “meant to be” or “I want to be chased.”
Nah, girl. Put in the work. Don’t chase him, but do make your intentions clear.
And if they don’t want you back? You’ll know.

Spoiler: he wanted me back.

I should probably also mention that I may or may not have ended things with my situationship of several years at the time to enter the chat. (Can’t even call it a relationship. iykyk.)

Then came his 21st birthday party. I was told it was a “fiesta”… virgin margaritas, tacos, a big group of friends. So naturally, I showed up with a full case of non-alcoholic beer, fully expecting a crowd. (We don’t drink.)

It was… not that.

It was his parents, grandparents, a few older family friends, and maybe three people our age. And yes, I dropped the beer and it sprayed everywhere. Full performance. If you’re wondering whether my life was a rom-com or a sitcom, the answer is yes.

Also: his family? Making actual bets on who he’d end up with.

And they all bet against me.

Which, rude. But honestly, I get it. I don’t exactly scream “loving and caring future wife” on day one.

But somehow, I pulled ahead.

I made him laugh. I showed a little leg. I lingered.

And no shame, I sabotaged a few things behind the scenes to buy myself time and position. I won’t share all my methods, but I was definitely playing chess while the rest of the group was playing Uno. Let’s just say when there were two hangouts happening — boating or hiking — I had a feeling he’d choose one. So I may have encouraged someone else toward the other. That hike turned into our first real date. Ice cream. Blink-182 trivia. A win’s a win.

The only problem? The man would not make a move.

He asked me out. We were spending a lot of time together. Passed up one perfect opportunity after another to kiss me, hold my hand, acknowledge the obvious vibes. We still reference “the hill”... a moment so cinematically perfect for a kiss it haunts him still. He froze. I was getting increasingly angry.

And one night, I’d had enough.

We pulled into his driveway. I threw off my seatbelt, got out, slammed the door, walked around the car, and before he could blink, I had my arms around him and kissed him like a woman who absolutely meant it.

And he… just stood there.

Frozen. Shocked. Entirely unprepared. Probably getting ready to sue me for assault.

Then he just… went inside?

I left convinced I’d ruined everything. I immediately called my sister and told her that my balls of steel had destroyed my chance with Farm Boy.

But I hadn’t.

Because even though I made the first move, Corbin’s made every single one that’s mattered since. He was just in shock. It’s fine. I forgave him.

He’s the perfect guy. He fixes things. Builds things. Keeps us grounded. He takes care of his family and always puts us first. He’s the best dad, the most caring husband, sometimes he’s funny… and yeah, he’s dense, which is important. Kate does not like a skinny man. I like my babies and my boys solid. (I would take dad bods over bony knees any day.) His only downside? He’s a truck guy. Why is that just the worst lol.

And here’s the thing about Corbin:

Everyone loves him. And I’m not exaggerating when I say everyone.

Like, it’s not even subtle. My family? Obsessed.
My friends? Fully on Team Corbin.
There are days where I’m pretty sure they’d keep him and send me off with a gift card.

He has that rare energy. The kind of secure masculinity that makes him not just a great partner but everyone’s favorite girl’s girl too. He’ll give you life advice, help you pick out boots, and carry in the Costco haul without being asked. (Plus I get to watch him carry things around, which is a big win for me). The man is the world’s most underrated shopping buddy and the absolute gold standard of supportive husband energy.

So yeah, it started as a borderline unhealthy dating competition with a wardrobe malfunction, a church group, a hearty competition, and a slightly unhinged kiss in a driveway. But I think it’s hilarious.

A soft launch, sure.
But the best decision I ever made.

xo, Kate