Two kids, high school trombone players, destined to share a music stand during band class—third chair, because they both sucked—is the beginning of this love story. As a romance author, Sarah would say it’s a tale as old as time, right? The two become best friends through college and into adulthood. Through the years they built a foundation of mutual respect and friendship through dating and life advice, a shoulder to lean on, and someone to always laugh with. They both like to claim there were no romantic feelings involved during those years; according to their families, both were a little clueless and were not surprised, but very happy, when they had their “aha” moment. Two young adults, Spring of 2020, dealing with Covid, spending nights on Facetime keeping each other company during such an isolating time. Alex would play Madden, and Sarah spent three whole weeks attempting to defeat Gorgara in Fallen Order (a feat for which Alex thinks we should give her a round of applause for, as she is not a gamer and has never finished any other game, and likely never will again). Over the summer Alex noticed feelings starting to change, and late one night that September, Alex the Brave broached the subject and got Sarah the Reserved to open up, and while a little scary they quietly took the leap from best friends to dating. They stayed in a little bubble, testing the waters for a few weeks, making sure it was what they truly wanted before announcing to the world, or worse yet—their parents. A tale as old as time—best friends to love of their lives, Alex and Sarah were always meant for each other, and now share a love for movie nights, football Sundays, baseball games, and starting their own traditions like a yearly trip to Baltimore for the Orioles x Yankee series. Alex proposed to Sarah, using her great grandmothers ring, on top of Federal Hill in Baltimore during the summer of 2024. She was able to experience this magical moment, in one of her favorite places, right before the Yankees ruthlessly beat her beloved Orioles just hours later. Bride and Groom, two cats—Zofia and Remy, a puppy named Atlas, and a life filled with love and adventure that they can’t wait to share with you. And they lived happily ever after. -Written by Kathy Crouse 💜