It only took 1531 days. On September 9th, 2015, Tara went to celebrate her 21st birthday with her cousin Sloane at Wild Horse Saloon in Topeka. While enjoying a legal beverage Cruz came to the table to talk to Sloane. Something must have sparked Cruz's interest because later on in the night he asked Tara to dance. Little did we all know he had spent the last 30 minutes learning how to dance in the corner of the bar with his friend, Jordan. After dancing the night away, phone numbers were exchanged and a first date was set. A few days later Cruz took Tara to a romantic dinner at Chipotle. All dazzled up in his uniform, Tara was smitten. A quick phone call to her mom on the way home Tara mentioned "I think I'm going to marry him someday!"

After questioning Cruz for months I was beginning to worry that this would never happen. Little did I know that this had been in the plans for months. As a family, we had been discussing family pictures. My mom sent a quick text informing all of the family that the date was set. Fast forward to the day, we all arrived at the Capitol building in Topeka. Families were taking pictures and it was finally my turn. I was taking pictures with my nephews and little did I know, Cruz was sneaking up behind me. I noticed the crowd was starting to talk but I continued smiling for the camera with my adorable nephew. Cruz came up behind me and said: "I have told you I love you 27 million times, now I am going to ask you if you will marry me?" Of course, I said "YES!" The day could not have been planned more perfectly!