Although we had known each other for years, it wasn’t until the summer of 2021 that we truly connected and began to get to know one another. Our conversations flowed effortlessly, and we fell fast. We quickly realized we shared the same values, goals, and interests, knowing from the start that our relationship was something special. Our first date felt like we had already spent years together. We dined at the Pilot House, went thrift shopping at Annie Laurie’s, and capped the evening with a drink at the Rude Dog Pub. Simple, sweet, and all we needed to know we were meant to be. Though our story may not have been traditional, it felt like a movie. We often talked about how we thought we’d be further along in life by that point—perhaps even parents already. Little did we know, our dreams were about to come true. We learned we were expecting our sweet baby, Oliver. Nervous but excited, we could hardly wait to meet the little one who would change our lives forever. Together, we created our home and eagerly prepared to welcome our baby. The moment we spent our first night with him in our tiny home, surrounded by the things we’d collected before we even knew each other, felt like everything had fallen into place. As time went on, our house transformed into a true home. Our individual things blended into one life as we navigated renovations, landscaping, and parenthood together. We’ve learned so much, and now, our home is filled with the love and laughter we’ve created together—and, of course, an abundance of toys! Now, it’s Mother’s Day 2024, and as usual, Connor has a day planned for us. We took Oliver to Castle Park, enjoyed ice cream, then dropped him off with Gram and Pop for a special evening in Cape Girardeau, where we had our first date. I had no idea that this evening would be anything more than a sweet romantic flashback. As we strolled through Annie Laurie’s, I was pointing out all the things I wanted, completely oblivious to Connor’s nervous anticipation. While I was gazing into a jewelry case, Connor was secretly preparing for his proposal. He said, “Brit, this looks just like the memory box we have at home!” I, still unaware, replied, “Oh, it does!” Naturally, I picked up the box to take a closer look, and that’s when Connor dropped to one knee. I was so stunned, I left him there for a good 30 minutes before he finally asked, “Do you want to see the receipt?” I, of course, said yes—not only to marrying the love of my life but to seeing that receipt too! Our love story is far from ordinary, but it’s ours. It has changed the course of our lives, and it’s a story we hold close to our hearts. We are so excited for the next chapter and can’t wait to begin it with all of you, our beloved family and friends.