We have known each other for 18+ years. He was a very close family friend growing up. We didn't get close until my junior year of undergraduate school. He was definitely persistent, and I definitely played hard to get. I always said we were "just friends"; however, I think the universe knew better. He was always there for me through the good and the bad. He made me laugh on my worst days and never left my side no matter what. One day I decided to just give it a shot. I thought, what if what I had been looking for this whole time was right in front of me? And boy was it! Our first weekend away together was his annual family river trip. I was so nervous, but after one day I realized that this man and his family were all I ever wanted and more. This is the happily ever after we dream about growing up and I am living it in real life!