In it for the long hall

__ After decades of dating woes, these two finally lucked out by meeting at a mutual friend's birthday gathering. Troy found Cara cute and quickly put on his jacket to cover his pit stains (that's a Charlotte summer for you). Cara was experiencing too much social anxiety to think of Troy much at all (that's introversion for you). Despite these hurdles, they finally pushed past the small talk and arrived in the comforting territory of discussing books and their hobbies. Troy educated Cara on the intricacies of obtaining his pilot's license and Cara recommended a lovely book about death and funeral practices – "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" by Caitlin Doughty. Cara thought Troy was wildly interesting and Troy thought Cara might be crazy. So he asked for her number. On their first date at local dog park bar Skiptown, the third party in this relationship was introduced – Troy's Aussiedoodle named Rooks. Over the bar's Game of Thrones trivia night, a few brewskis, and Rooks continually jumping on the table, Cara and Troy were able to connect on an even deeper level. The spark was lit and began to burn ever brighter on December 9, 2022 when Troy made the relationship official. __ Although Cara was a bit wonky for recommending a book on death on the first day, no one could have anticipated how prevalent that subject would become in Troy and Cara's lives. 2023 brought the heartbreaking loss of both of their fathers. The time was dark for all members of their families and communities that knew these men. Although these months brought so much uncertainty, heartache, stress, loss, and grief, one of the only rays of light was that the pair had one another. Through unfortunately fortunate cosmic timing, the two could actually relate to each others' experience and provide empathy. It forced new levels of open communication, full acceptance of all versions of one another, and a deeper form of love through the highs and lows that life can throw at all of us. Although the pair would give anything to still have Mike and Sterling here, they feel blessed and eternally grateful to have had two of the best men to call their dads. __ When getting down on one knee many months later, Troy knew they were entering a beautiful new chapter where they got to bring all those lessons learned into a lifelong partnership. He proposed at his dad's house in Wyoming with the backdrop of the mountains. Cara cried, and cried again later because Rooks wasn't there. No wonder they booked a dog-friendly wedding venue. The duo is elated to begin that next chapter by joining in marriage in front of so many of their loved ones!