It began in 2006 in the hallways of high school. We were just two kids then; I was friends with Brian’s sister, and he was the guy I’d see in passing, neither of us realizing a seed was being planted. Life, as it often does, eventually pulled us onto separate paths. We spent seventeen years living different lives, collecting our own stories, and navigating two divorces before the universe decided it was time to try again. The "re-beginning" happened in September 2023. We both had gone to a local cider fest when Brian's phone buzzed with a surprise text from me. For him, seeing that name on his screen felt like a jolt out of the blue—a second chance he knew he couldn’t let pass. He wrote back immediately and asked me to dinner at Brock’s Riverside Grill. While Brian knew exactly what he was doing, I was a little slower on the uptake! I got ready for dinner thinking we were just two old friends catching up on nearly two decades of life; Isa quickly informed me it was in fact a date and to dress cute. (Thank you ma'am) The realization hit us both that night. There was never a lull in the conversation; we laughed for hours, rediscovering who we had become while honoring the friendship we once had. By the time I asked Brian for a hug at the end of the night, he knew. It was a simple gesture, but it felt like the closing of that twenty-year circle. It felt like coming home. We quickly realized we shared a "vibe"—part adventurous, part homebody. Whether we’re dressing up for a Renaissance Faire, hosting a loud game night, or just enjoying a quiet movie, we found a partner who truly sees the other. That’s how Brian found himself with a ring in his pocket during our first blended family vacation to Disney World. In front of the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom (my favorite park!), he tried to get a solo photo with me. Our youngest, Ever, had other plans and tried her best to thwart the "romantic" moment, but the older kids knew exactly what was happening and swooped in to help. Under the canopy of the tree, Brian got down on one knee. Through the surprise and the chaos of our beautiful, blended family, I said yes. We’re so excited to have you join us as we officially start this chapter—exactly where we were always meant to be.