I was out at Dave & Buster’s with my friend when I spotted someone across the room—Jalen. There was something about him… his quiet confidence, his warm smile. I immediately felt drawn to him. I leaned over to my friend and whispered, “He’s so cute… but I’m too nervous to talk to him.” Of course, she wouldn’t let me off the hook that easily. She nudged me, gave me that look, and said, “Go for it.” So, with my heart racing, I walked over to him near the dance floor, tapped him on the shoulder, and whispered in his ear, “Let me know if you want to dance on the dance floor later.” I tried to casually walk away, but he stopped me—gently grabbing my arm with a smile. “Hey,” he said, “I’m throwing a party this weekend. You should come.” And just like that… something special began. From that night on, we were inseparable. What started as a few messages quickly turned into all-day conversations, spontaneous hangouts, and laughter that made everything feel lighter. Funny enough, we never actually danced the night we met. But fate wasn’t finished with our story. One week later, we both ended up back at Dave & Buster’s—completely unplanned. This time, he walked up to me and said, “I think I owe you a dance.” And there, surrounded by the glow of arcade lights and the energy of something just beginning, we had our first dance. Our first official date was to see Avatar at the Kahala Theatres—an evening I’ll never forget. After the movie, Jalen called his mom. And in this magical, spontaneous moment, he put her on speaker, and we both talked to her. It felt sweet and surreal—like the beginning of something real. I fell in love with Jalen for a million reasons—how he made me feel seen and truly loved, his gentle spirit, his joyful heart, and how effortlessly he became my best friend, my safe place, my home. That love deepened even more when we took our first trip together to London to visit my sister Kristen and brother-in-law Edward. Exploring a new city, sharing new memories, growing even closer—I knew, without a doubt, that Jalen was the one. From that first whispered invitation to dance to every moment since, our story has been nothing short of a dream. And it’s only just beginning.

I was at Dave & Buster’s, just chilling, you know. Minding my own business near the dance floor and bar area. soaking in the vibes, probably thinking about what mischief can I get into now. But also I was there with some friends of mine trying to help promote a party we were throwing for my friend DJ A-LIST since his debut was around the corner and we wanted a good turnout and back then Dave and busters on a Wednesday is where you can find a ton of people. Then SHE showed up the one that hit me like a hurricane — Chelsea. she spotted me from across the room as I was walking by. She told her friend, "oh my goodness gracious, that might be the best looking man on planet earth" (I never get tired of hearing that part of the story lol) Apparently Chels was too nervous to come and talk to me which is CRAZY because I like to think I'm nice and approachable I will also talk to a wall if you let me. Chels hit me with a: “Let me know if you want to dance later.” And just like that, she tried to mysteriously disappear like we were in a scene in a movie or something. I smiled, reached out, (somehow completely ignored her request) gently stopped her, and said, “Hey, I’m throwing a party this weekend. You and your friend should come.” (as if I myself was in a movie scene too) and we exchanged Instagram as all the kids do these days. BOOM— smooth like peanut butter. Or at least that’s how it played out in my head. (It clearly worked which is why you're reading this now) Funny part? We never danced... But the universe wasn’t done. A week later, we both randomly ended up at Dave & Buster’s again — no planning, just vibes. This time I wasn’t letting the moment pass. I walked up to her like I was the main character in our movie (which I am) and said, “I think I owe you a dance.” (I fully knew I owed the dance before saying this btw) And right there, surrounded by flashing lights, Chee-Hoos, and someone yelling about their drink at the bar, we shared our first dance. It was goofy, low-key awkward, and somehow perfect. From there, something just clicked. We went from a couple of texts to non-stop conversations. Every hangout felt easy, every laugh felt natural, and I found myself looking forward to our next moment like I was waiting for my food order at waffle house — impatient but excited. We were inseparable since we met. Chelsea made me feel something different from the start. She saw me — really saw me — and loved me for everything I am. Her laugh, her energy, the way she makes people feel around her… she lit up my world. She became my best friend, my peace (most times), my home. From that quiet little whisper at Dave & Buster’s to a love that now feels unstoppable… this journey has been wild, beautiful, and honestly the best adventure I’ve ever been on. And it’s just getting started.