I went to a concert and ended up running into Carter’s sister. We had a class together at the time and were in the same sorority, so we already knew each other pretty well. Apparently not that well though, because the moment I mentioned I loved Metallica, she casually said, “Oh, my brother is obsessed with them.” Naturally, I joked, “Is he single?” Spoiler: he was… and I just happened to be interning in the city he lived in that summer. Perfect timing, right? Fast forward a few months and I get a text from him introducing himself and asking to set up a phone call. I almost didn’t answer (thank goodness I did). A few days later he called, and we planned our first date. On that first date, it genuinely felt like I had known him forever ... everything was easy, natural, and just right. And honestly, the rest really was history. Since day one, Carter has brought out the most genuine, grounded version of me. He is my biggest cheerleader, my safe place, and the most patient and steady person I know. He pushes me to grow, celebrates every win with me, and stands by me through everything. I truly believe God made him for me, and I feel so blessed knowing I get to love him and grow old with him.

April 16, 2024. The night my sister came over to my townhouse for a Benson Boone concert at the Ritz. She was amped up and looking forward to the concert for this “new” Pop Star. After I dropped Bailey and her friends off, she told me that she ran into a sorority sister there. When the concert finished, she told me that this friend of hers was something special. Thinking nothing of it, I let it go for a few months.   The Fourth of July rolls around and on this beautiful sun-filled Florida day, the inside of me was not feeling the sunshiney rays. My heart grew colder with each passing day, thinking there was no one out there in the world for me. On a whim and remembering my sister’s Benson Boone concert experience, I finally asked my sister for her sorority sister’s phone number. She didn’t text me back until the next day… but she texted back at the very least! I set up a date with this girl for July 13th. Little did I know what would await me only nine days later.    As I drove to her house, my nervousness was through the roof. I got out of the car anxious to finally meet her. I knocked on the door and this beautiful young woman steps into the door frame. It was Audrey. We drove down the road and after hearing how much she enjoyed Metallica too, I turned on some Classic Rock. She enjoyed the music selection so much, we started talking about our love for Rock. As she was listing off the amount of concerts she went to, I knew she was very unique in the best of ways. During that date, she made me laugh multiple times. A feat that is not easily achieved with me. We dove into deep talks, some that most couples wouldn’t have their entire relationship.    Since then, I cherish my decision and the woman I reached out to on that Fourth of July day. It was the best decision of my life. She is the one that sits beside me every day and the one I will come home to for the rest of my days. Audrey is unlike any other woman and I couldn’t be more thankful to both God and my sister for bringing her into my world. I love you, Audrey Caron.