In March of 2022, we matched on Tinder—modern romance at its finest! After a week of chatting, he called me out (in the best way) and asked, “Are we actually going to meet or what?”—a bold move I respected. We had a Saturday date planned, but life intervened: I got invited to Kalahari in Wisconsin with my goddaughter. I had to reschedule—usually a dealbreaker for him. But apparently, the way I was upfront about it made him think, “Okay, I’ll give her another shot.” That’s how we ended up at Maria’s (which he claimed was halfway between us—spoiler: it wasn’t!). I still remember him, in his brown coat, walking in the drizzle—looking so handsome. I thought, “Okay, this guy has a strut.” We had a great time, though I talked a lot (nerves!). And, funny enough, I knew he had kids—but I assumed boys. Turns out, he’s a girl dad! A second date happened right before I flew to Madrid. I was packing, doing laundry, but I had to see him again before my trip. Tapas sealed the deal! And on our third date, roller-skating on a Thursday night, I knew. I didn’t want to wait to see him again, and soon enough, we were planning the next. By summer, we were official. By fall, I met his girls. And now, we marvel at how two people 30 miles a part ended up sharing one life.

When I first met Denise, I knew she was a nurse and that caring for others came naturally to her. What I didn't know was how effortlessly she would become such an important part of my life and my daughters' lives. I still remember those early days when the girls would play piano for Denise and look for ways to make her smile. She embraced those moments with genuine interest and kindness, and before long, they had formed a special bond. Over the years, I watched Denise show up for all of us in countless ways. She offered guidance when it was needed, encouragement when things were difficult, and endless support as our family continued to grow together. She helped create a home where everyone felt loved and cared for. By the time I decided to propose, I had no doubts. Before asking Denise to marry me, I spoke with the girls because their thoughts mattered deeply to me. Seeing their joy and the relationship they had built only confirmed what I already knew. Then, while Denise was working an overnight shift, I met her dad for a drink and asked for his blessing. Without missing a beat, he smiled and said, "No refunds." People often ask when I knew Denise was the one. The truth is, it wasn't a single moment. It was watching the way she loved, supported, and showed up for all of us. Long before I got down on one knee, I already knew.