When Aaliyah and Daniel finally said "hello," their paths had already crossed countless times. Aaliyah had quietly admired him from afar, curious about the man she’d seen at church for months. She had even stumbled upon his Instagram once or twice (wink). But as time went by and Daniel never approached her, she believed he simply wasn’t interested. What she didn’t know was that Daniel had mistaken her for someone much younger, never imagining they could be on the same path... until God had other plans. At a cozy Christmas party in 2021, hosted by mutual friends, the air shifted between them. They found themselves gravitating toward each other in the most effortless ways—choosing to be on the same team during games, stealing quick glances, and sharing silent moments of connection. Daniel’s curiosity grew, and he discreetly asked his sister about Aaliyah’s age. A few days later, a mutual friend revealed that they both had secret admirers. Though no names were spoken, Aaliyah’s heart knew. On New Year’s Eve, as Aaliyah sat in the church auditorium—glancing around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Daniel—he approached her with quiet confidence. With a smile, he asked if she remembered him. “Of course,” Aaliyah laughed, recalling their brief connection at the Christmas party just days before. That night, Daniel asked if he could get to know her better. Playful and a little nervous, Aaliyah gave him her Instagram instead of her phone number. By the next day, they were already chatting through DMs, but before the day was through, Daniel had her phone number. And from that day on, they spoke every single day. For five months, their connection deepened as they spent time together, sharing long walks by the lake and going on simple yet meaningful dates. In May 2022, they made their love official. Their love story is one of gentle unfolding, filled with warmth, laughter, and a sense of peace. In Daniel, Aaliyah found a protector, someone who makes her feel safe and cherished. In Aaliyah, Daniel discovered the soft place to land he didn't know he needed. Their story is just beginning, and they can’t wait to build their life together rooted in faith, filled with love, adventure, and shared dreams, all guided by God’s grace.