We met on one of those dating apps back in Spring 2019. We went on a handful of dates, and had some fun times, but ultimately I decided that I wasn't interested enough to continue dating. Over the next couple years Brady would reach out every once in a while with an offer to take me out on his motorcycle or go rappelling, or he would send me a song he thought I'd like. He'd even slide into my DMs, responding to my Instagram stories. And about every 6 months I'd give in and we would hang out again to catch up, grab some dinner or go on one of those sought-after motorcycle rides. But it wasn't until late summer 2021 that something changed -- a message Brady sent through Snapchat that completely shifted my mentality. He showed sincere interest in who I was; it wasn't casual or in passing -- it was deliberate and earnest. It was a different look than what I'd seen in him before. So I gave him another chance. And I will be forever grateful that I did. We started dating around Halloween 2021, became "official" in February 2022, and have been inseparable ever since. And since that first go around, we've both realized that things wouldn't have worked out back then, for either of us, even if I had given it a go. We both had things to learn before we were supposed to be together. The timing was right the second time around, and I am so grateful for Brady's measured persistence. Because of that, here we are! Together, 5 years later. It's been a year and a half full of laughs, cries (like so many cries), long conversations, Harry Potter books, road trips, late nights, struggles, smiles, hugs, and wonderful memories. There's no one I'd rather have standing by my side, no one I'd rather face the future with. His arms are the safest place I've ever been. He is the best person I know. I love you, Brady. Until the very end.

The year is 2019. The search for love on the internet continues. An opportunity presents itself in the form of a beautiful woman named Amy who wants to meet at Bahama Bucks. I seize the opportunity and immerse myself in the idea of dating someone smart, funny, and sweet. Drop dead gorgeous to boot. And who shares all my major interests. We like the same music, we like fictional books, we like video games, the outdoors, good food, and traveling. It’s perfect. But then, five months in, tragedy struck. Amy decided that I’m not her cup of tea, and we separate. (We’d only been on five or six dates). We move on, occasionally keeping in touch over the next couple of years. I would politely remind her of my existence by suggesting music, inviting her on adventures, and discussing her only reliable love thus far in life (Harry Potter). After two years of patient persistence, my opportunity had presented itself again. This time, I was determined. I wouldn’t let her slip through my grasp. So after countless hours of hypnotherapy and major bribes, she decided to date me consistently. After a few months of dating, she decided she saw something. There must've been something there that wasn’t there before. Fast forward in time through countless nights nuggling while watching tv, going on road trips, late night food runs, laughs, cries, and a lot of “I love you”s later, and we got engaged on the perfect night in Sayulita, Mexico. I have found my home. The final resting place for my heart, and the search for love on the internet has ended. And the reality of being in love has only just begun. My forever lies with you. Until the very end. I love you.