In 2019, on the gym bleachers of a high school basketball game, Avery and Hunter's story began. Avery was sixteen, performing her cheerleading halftime routine, completely unaware that Hunter, seventeen and apparently very observant, had decided he needed to know the girl with the pom-poms. Later that night, he sent her a message asking her on a date. She said no. He likes to remind her of this part. But Hunter has never been one to give up easily. About a week later, he asked again. And that time, Avery said yes. Their first date was at a pizza place. Simple, sweet, and slightly awkward in the way only teenage first dates can be. Somewhere between slices of pizza and nervous laughter, something clicked. What started as a second chance turned into attending baseball games, late-night FaceTime calls, and finding every excuse possible to see each other. After a few months, Hunter officially asked Avery to be his girlfriend, and that time, she didn’t hesitate. They grew up together in many ways. They finished high school side by side and then stepped into a new chapter: college and a long-distance relationship. In those few years, they learned what loving each other a thousand miles apart looked like. They counted down days, cherished weekend visits, survived FaceTime dates, and proved that love is measured in more than miles. Being apart wasn’t easy, but it made them stronger. It taught them patience, commitment, and how deeply they truly chose each other. Then, on Hunter’s twenty-fourth birthday, he completely surprised Avery by proposing. She had no idea it was coming, which makes it even more impressive considering she usually suspects everything. It was thoughtful, heartfelt, and perfectly them. And now, they get to say “yes” to forever.