To tell our Love Story, first, we have to go back to 1999 when we first met and dated briefly. Over the next 20 years, we rarely communicated with each other, unless you count a few, brief awkward waves to each other after we realized we were working across the parking lot from each other. Desmond worked at Overland HS and Shantel was at Prairie MS. Fast forward to the fall of 2019, unbeknownst to us, we were now working in the same school district. We saw each other at a district training. Desmond saw Shantel and remembered her beauty and she really brought a smile to his face that had not been there for a long time. Desmond approached Shantel and asked her and a friend to a De La Soul concert. Shantel laughed and left things open. At this moment, Shantel did not think much of the offer from Desmond and Jasper. Desmond on the other hand, raced back to his office so he and Jasper could investigate and find her email. Which proved to be a little difficult since Desmond might have forgotten her last name. Desmond was ready to ask her out on a real date!!! Desmond and Jasper eventually found Shantel’s work email, sent her a note. Wait for it . . . Shantel responded with excitement. Psych, there was no response. In her mind, she was not too happy that it was sent through work email. Shantel and Desmond saw each other again at another district meeting. Desmond would not give up easily and his persistence finally paid off. Shantel agreed to a day date. Curses! We met at Mile High Stadium in the ever so romantic parking lot, for a farmer’s market. After great conversation, we didn’t want the date to end, so we went to brunch at Sassafras American Eatery. Our past mirrored each other, we both experienced serious relationships, dating on and off; however, one thing was for certain, true love had avoided both of us. From that point on, we started dating seriously, getting to know one another and having fun, enjoying each other’s company. As with most love stories, it was not always an easy relationship. We had our ups and downs, and ours got complicated with the unexpected news of Shantel’s pregnancy. We both had feelings about the change in our relationship with the coming of our child. Shantel prioritized her baby growing in her belly and Desmond focused on work and wrapping his brain around becoming a father. As adults, we drifted away not really knowing what to expect and what was in front of us. But we both were excited about becoming this little nugget’s parents. After we were blessed with Mateo and all that raising an infant brings, we focused on coparenting and making Mateo the light of the world. We supported each other as best we could and loved our son more and more every day. Then the day came where we realized that we were better together than our current situation of coparenting from different houses. We realized not only are we better parents together, but also better partners and friends. Our love for Mateo grew and our love and devotion to each other blossomed and has become what we are today! Our love story may have taken 20 plus years, but we are ready to take on the next 20 plus years together with Mateo! We can’t wait for you to share with us the next phase of our lives as we become husband and wife!