I met Laud on my second day in Ghana. I was browsing through a fabric store with my tour guide when he happened to walk by. Noticing that my guide seemed to need help, he stepped in without hesitation. She whispered to me, “Record him,” as he offered to try on a jacket she was considering as a gift for her husband. So, a bit awkwardly, I filmed him as he changed in the dressing room. Afterward, she thanked him and commented on the great customer service. That’s when Laud smiled and said, “Oh, I don’t work here.” We all burst out laughing and asked why he helped then. He simply said, “It looked like you needed help, so I offered.” I noticed my tour guide was clearly drawn to him—playful and flirty. As they were chatting, I stepped out and continued to browse the store. A few moments later, Laud invited me to check out his store across the street. I hesitated, joking that the traffic was too chaotic and someone would have to hold my hand to get me across safely. Without missing a beat, he smiled and offered his hand. I had no idea that this would be the hand I’d hold for years to come. As we crossed, he gently said, “You’re safe with me.” He didn’t let go. We walked to his shop and we exchanged numbers. From that day on, we saw each other every day. And the rest? That’s history.