On the last day of 2019, I found myself at my parents' home in Fulshear, Texas, looking after our family dogs, Scout and Chloe. With my family away in Louisiana for New Year's, I decided to pass the time by browsing through the dating app Hinge. It was a spontaneous decision, with no expectations, yet I found myself quickly matched with Cameron. We started chatting, and the conversation flowed easily. Days went by, and our messages continued. Eventually, we decided to meet in person. On January 10th, 2020, we had our first date at MOD Pizza in Katy. I was nervous, and I admit I talked a lot that evening. Despite the nerves, our connection felt natural, and the rainy weather outside added a cozy atmosphere to our date. We exchanged numbers that night and continued texting, leading to more dates and eventually making things official. Our relationship began with a simple swipe on a dating app and blossomed into something beautiful. Though our first date had its share of nerves and unexpected rain, it marked the start of a journey we wouldn't trade for anything.

I decided to ask Ainslie to marry me on Sunday July 16th, 2023. She said yes! I spoke to her parents on Wednesday April 26. I went over to their house and asked for their blessing. They graciously said gave me their blessing. Then we went to dinner at their favorite restaurant, Local Table, which I paid for. I started telling my family in March and I started telling Ainslie’s family in April. When looking for the perfect ring I reached out to her sister, Hillarie for help. Then the BIG DAY finally happened on July 16, 2023 at her cousin Brandy's house under the guise of a family BBQ that day (even though she managed to put the pieces together before then). We had all our family over a couple hours later for our "I Do BBQ" engagement party. It was a wonderful celebration, and it felt great to get to share that special day with many of our loved ones.

Our love story is sprinkled with adventures, and one particular escapade stands out vividly amidst our four years together. Picture this: a trip to Austin, buzzing with excitement as we aimed to hang out at Barton Springs, basking in the Texas sun with a quaint picnic. However, fate had a different plan for us, courtesy of the COVID era. We discovered that a reservation was required, thwarting our initial plans. Undeterred, we swiftly improvised, determined to salvage the day. And so, with spontaneity as our compass, we embarked on an impromptu canoeing expedition on Lady Bird Lake. What began as a tranquil glide across the serene waters soon took an unexpected turn, transforming into an unforgettable hour of sheer intensity. As dark clouds loomed ominously overhead, the sky erupted into a tempestuous downpour, catching us off guard. With adrenaline coursing through our veins, we paddled furiously, the rhythm of our strokes matching the urgency of the storm. The once placid lake now churned with tumultuous waves, and our canoe became a tiny vessel at the mercy of nature's fury. Yet, amidst the chaos, there was a moment of calm amidst the storm. We spotted the silhouette of a nearby bridge, a beacon of hope amidst the deluge. With synchronized determination, we propelled ourselves towards it, the rain pelting down relentlessly as if in a battle against our resolve. Finally reaching the bridge, we grasped for safety, clinging onto a sturdy metal boat tie for dear life. And there, amidst the cacophony of raindrops and the roar of thunder, we found solace in each other's presence, weathering the tempest as a united front. In retrospect, what was meant to be a leisurely day by the springs evolved into a thrilling saga of resilience and camaraderie. Our unplanned canoeing escapade not only added a dash of excitement to our trip but also served as a testament to our ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. It's moments like these that remind us of the unpredictable yet beautiful journey we've embarked upon together, where every twist and turn only strengthens the bond between us.