It all began in chemistry class — fitting, right? It was our sophomore year of high school, the first time back in person since COVID. Andrew’s laptop wasn’t working, so our teacher asked Rylee to share hers. She introduced herself with a smile, but Andrew was quiet and reserved. Naturally, Rylee saw that as a challenge. Every day, she made the effort to say hi and spark conversation. Eventually, the quiet guy started talking back — more and more. We began walking together to AP World History, and before long, we were sharing lunch, laughs, and a growing connection. In February of 2021, Andrew told Rylee he liked her and asked her on a date. She said yes, and we went to Cadillac Pizza in downtown McKinney. Andrew, ever the gentleman, tried to pull out Rylee’s chair — but she didn’t realize it was for her and walked to the other side of the table. It wasn’t smooth, but it was perfectly us. We spent the rest of high school going to dances, football games, and all the milestone moments together. After graduation, life took us in different directions — but not apart. Andrew enlisted in the Marines, and Rylee moved to Lubbock to pursue her degree in Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University. For five months, the only way we could communicate was through handwritten letters. It wasn’t easy, but those letters taught us how to love deeper — how to connect with each other’s hearts beyond the screen. Through all the distance, we’ve had the joy of watching each other grow — both individually and as a couple. We’ve always had different dreams, and from the beginning, we’ve supported one another in chasing them. Whether it was Andrew committing to the Marine Corps or Rylee diving into her passion for financial planning, we’ve never stopped cheering each other on. We’re incredibly proud of what the other has accomplished, and even more grateful to have built something strong and steady through it all. Now, Andrew is stationed in California, and we’ve become pros at weekend flights, long phone calls, and loving each other through every challenge. We’ve grown in our own worlds — and never stopped growing together. We can’t wait for the next chapter to begin!