By Kristi Steidley

I was working at The Olive Garden as a certified trainer, and I absolutely loved training new employees. One of the best parts of the process? The food! We’d get to sit down together, sample different menu items, and just enjoy chatting. It was always a fun, relaxed moment in the middle of a busy shift.

One day during one of these training meals, a new hire started talking about her neighbor. She casually mentioned that he was “the nicest guy in the world”—he mowed her lawn, checked in on her and her kids while her husband was deployed, and was just genuinely kind and thoughtful. Then she added, “He’s thirty and never been married.”

Before I could even think, I blurted out, “Really?! Tell me more about him.”

I surprised even myself. I wasn’t looking to get into another relationship—not even close. I couldn’t believe I said something so bold, and in front of all the trainees no less!

But she told him about me, and he reached out. After some back-and-forth, we decided to go on a date. I drove to his house—because let’s be honest, I wasn’t about to let some stranger know where I lived—and we introduced ourselves. That night, we had a wonderful date. I genuinely enjoyed being with him.

Looking back, now that I understand the laws, I can’t help but remember a specific moment before all this happened. I was in a really low place, lying on the couch, feeling alone and wondering if I’d ever feel truly loved and accepted. I let myself daydream—just a simple dream—about going on a date with someone who actually wanted to be with me. Someone who enjoyed my company and showed real interest in who I was.

Then there he was.

It was only our second or third date when he looked at me and said, “You’re going to be my wife.”

Whoa, buddy.

I liked him, but I wasn’t trying to get serious. But not long after, I received confirmation from Heavenly Father that yes—he was going to be my husband.

We got married exactly one month after my divorce was finalized.

That might sound crazy to some, but we both knew: it was God’s perfect timing.

It wasn’t part of my plan—but I know without a doubt that God brought us together at exactly the right moment. I had dreamed of a joyful, loving marriage. But before I could receive it, I had to walk through some painful lessons and hard-earned growth.

(And as a funny side note: Brian’s parents used to tease him that his wife wasn’t just going to show up on his doorstep. But guess what? That’s exactly what I did.)

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