Our story began back in 2012 on a day that still brings a smile to our faces. Shoundel came to help his cousin, Janai, move into her new dorm at USC Upstate—Janai just so happened to be my new roommate! That day sparked a friendship that we both held close, staying in touch over the years as life led us on different paths. Then, in 2021, we reconnected on Snapchat, and what began as catching up soon blossomed into something we never could’ve expected. Our texts turned into daily conversations, filled with laughter, shared memories, and moments that lifted our spirits. We loved how natural it felt to just be ourselves with each other, and it wasn’t long before we both knew this was something special. We weren’t just falling in love with each other, though. Shoundel came with a wonderful son, Karter, who became a huge part of our journey. I fell in love with him too, and I’m grateful every day to have him as my “bonus son.” Together, the three of us have built a life full of love, laughter, and faith, with God at the heart of it all. As we step into this new chapter, we’re overjoyed to celebrate with friends and family who’ve seen our journey unfold from the very beginning.