We were never supposed to be strangers but somehow, that’s exactly what we were. Back in high school, we existed in the same halls, shared the same spaces, and lived in the same world… yet our paths barely crossed. A few words here and there, maybe a glance in passing but nothing that hinted at what was quietly waiting for us in the future. Life had its own plans. After graduation, we both went our separate ways. Different cities, different journeys, different versions of ourselves. Time passed, lessons were learned, and life shaped us in ways we couldn’t yet understand. Then somehow, by what could only be divine timing, we both found our way back to Hammond in October of 2023. At the time, it didn’t make sense. We couldn’t explain why life had brought us back to the same place we once couldn’t wait to leave. But God knew. June 1st 2024, everything changed. At our class reunion, an ordinary night that turned out to be anything but, we saw each other again. This time, it was different. We were different. From the very first conversation, it felt easy… natural… like we were simply picking up where we were always meant to begin. We laughed, danced, and stayed out all night (may have even drank too much), completely unaware that our lives had just shifted forever. The next day, Ezell asked me on a date. Thank God I said yes lol. From that moment on, everything unfolded so effortlessly. What started as simple dates turned into something deeper, something real. We spent weeks learning each other, choosing each other, building something that felt both new and familiar all at once. Before long, our worlds began to merge. We met each other’s families, shared our lives more openly, most importantly and I had the honor of meeting “the girls”, who became such a meaningful part of this journey. And then, just as naturally as everything else had fallen into place, God blessed us in the most beautiful way… little Miss Nova. A new chapter, a growing family, and a love that had come full circle in the most unexpected way. Our story is living proof that timing is everything, and that what’s meant for you will always find its way; no matter how long it takes, no matter how far you go. We once wondered why life led us back here… Now we know. It was always leading us to each other. And every step, every delay, every unanswered question… it was all worth it.

The proposal At our reunion on June 1st, 2023, my life changed in the best way possible. From the moment Viola walked back into my life, everything just felt right. By the time we took our trip to Arizona in November, I already knew I wanted to marry her. Honestly, I think my heart knew long before then, but that trip made me certain. Viola is everything I could have ever prayed for. She is confident, loyal, intelligent, respectful, considerate, an amazing mother, and absolutely gorgeous. I fell in love with everything about her right away, and so did Zoah and Zahra. Watching the people I love most connect so naturally made me realize this was more than just love. This was MY family. For the perfect person, I knew I had to find the perfect ring. Viola had mentioned the kind of ring she loved without even realizing I was paying attention to every detail. I went to several different jewelry stores trying to find the right one for her. When I finally narrowed it down to two options, Kealia and my mom helped me decide. One ring had crushed diamonds in the center, and the other had one solid diamond in the middle. My mom told me, “Go with the one she said she wanted.” So that’s exactly what I did, and I’m so glad because she truly loves her ring. At our baby shower, I had planned the proposal so that my mom, her mom, my sister, and Kealia would each hold up cards that said, “Will you marry me?” The plan was for nobody to know so everyone could be surprised together. But a couple of days and hours leading up to the proposal, our moms ended up telling almost everybody. In the end, Viola was the only one truly surprised. And honestly, that was all that mattered to me. The moment I saw the tears of joy in her eyes is a moment I will never forget. I didn’t notice anyone else in the room. I only saw her. It was one of the best and most meaningful moments of my life, and it reminded me how lucky I am to spend forever with the woman I love.