"Rough Pumpkins"

Not all love stories begin with sparks in the sky. Some begin with two hearts slowly finding each other—through classrooms, hallways, and moments that felt simple, yet were quietly becoming forever.

Meet Amy—a Southern California girl who followed her heart all the way to Virginia—and Shayne, a Northern Virginia native with roots already planted deep. Their story didn’t begin with a grand gesture, but in the familiar hum of an elementary school where they both worked. She was a teacher; he worked in building maintenance. His office sat just steps from her son’s third-grade classroom, meaning Shayne knew her child long before he ever knew her. And somehow, that feels exactly right—like their story was unfolding in the order it was always meant to.

From the very beginning, Shayne had a way of making people feel seen. Students affectionately nicknamed him “Short Man,” a playful joke given his towering 6’5” frame. He joked easily with kids, connected effortlessly, and brought a warmth into the school that made everyone feel safe and welcomed.

Amy’s first real memory of him isn’t dramatic—it’s charming. One chilly Virginia morning, bundled in a beanie and flannel, Shayne greeted her with a playful, “What up, Gangsta West?!” She laughed, and something in that laughter stayed with them both. Another early moment came when she spotted him at the Chick-fil-A drive-through. Without thinking, she shouted hello. His face lit up, grinning ear to ear, and Amy felt a small flicker of connection that wouldn’t fade.

As a special education teacher, Amy witnesses joy in the small moments every day. One student, in particular, lit up whenever Shayne visited her classroom. He proudly gave Shayne a “tour,” pointing out projects, books, and toys—even when words didn’t come out clearly, the happiness was unmistakable. Watching Shayne take the time to be present showed Amy the kind of man he was: kind, patient, and thoughtful.

Their friendship grew slowly. One afternoon, right before Thanksgiving break Amy, Shayne and some of her fellow colleagues were debating a serious question: would you rather do dishes or laundry forever? Amy was firmly Team Laundry; Shayne, Team Dishes. Their colleague, Ms. Jo, laughed and encouraged them to get to know one another. Amy gave Shayne her number and said she’d listen if he ever wanted to talk. That evening, he texted to ask how the rest of her day went. And just like that, a friendship began—one that would naturally blossom into love.

Even as their connection grew, they were careful. Dating a coworker could have caused complications, but Shayne went to the principal and said, “She means more to me than this job.” Amy still recalls that moment and how it revealed his dedication from the very beginning. Eventually, Shayne changed jobs, and their relationship continued to grow naturally.

Their story is sprinkled with laughter. At a work potluck, Amy had planned to save Shayne some banana pudding but ended up eating all the vanilla wafers. When Shayne casually suggested adding wafers, everyone laughed, and the memory became theirs forever. A gentle reminder to the both of them that love can be playful, fun, and full of joy.

Amy and Shayne have become a beautiful blended family, each bringing children from previous marriages. They cherish family time—watching shows together, praying at the dinner table, cheering at baseball games, or simply enjoying quiet moments together. When Shayne proposed, he said, “There’s nothing perfect about this, but I think we are perfect for each other.” Amy agrees wholeheartedly. Their love isn’t about perfection; it’s about choosing to grow together and relying on God to guide them. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

To Amy, love means growing together instead of apart. It’s navigating the “rough pumpkins”—the bumps, challenges, and imperfections—without letting them destroy what’s been built. Love is talking through things instead of pushing them down. It’s coming from a place of understanding instead of judgment.

If she could sum up their relationship in a single sentence, Amy says it’s the ASL sign for I love you—simple, silent, and profound. And her advice for keeping love alive is grounded and practical: don’t compare yourself to others online. The grass is greener where you water it.

What began as quiet moments and everyday proximity has grown into a love neither of them could have imagined back then. The love Shayne and Amy have created together has also blossomed into a beautiful family of six. Now, with hearts full and futures intertwined, they are joyfully counting down the days until they say I do on October 25, 2026—the next chapter of a love story that was always meant to last forever. 🤍✨

If you enjoyed this beautiful love story, make sure to subscribe so you never miss another heartwarming tale. And if you have a love story of your own to share, we’d love to hear it! Head over to the Coop Scoop, where you can email Chick directly. Your story doesn’t have to be about romantic love—it could be about your faith, a beloved pet, family, hobbies, or anything that fills your heart with love. Every kind of love is worth celebrating, and we can’t wait to share in yours. 💛