From Hayes to Blade

Ironically, Emond and I met at a bar (shoutout to Aura), but from the moment he walked up to me, it felt like fate. His first words? “I love you.” Just like that. I was completely caught off guard—stunned, even. I looked at my friend, then back at him, and all I could say was, “Do I know you?” With the most confident smile, he simply replied, “No, but you’re about to.” And he was absolutely right!! From that moment on, we were inseparable, and my heart has been his ever since.

Emond and I took a family trip to Florida to celebrate our birthday—we share the same one, October 30, 1996. I thought it was simply a joint birthday celebration, surrounded by family, love, and laughter. Little did I know, he had something far more magical planned. That evening, we all went out to dinner, and on the way back, everyone split up. The girls rode together, making little detours to pick up cake and drinks. I was in such high spirits, saying, “Yes! We’re about to have a party!” Completely clueless about what was really unfolding. As we pulled up to the house, the vibe suddenly shifted. Everyone started fussing—“Fix your hair, put on lip gloss, don’t forget your heels!” I laughed, thinking they were being dramatic. But the moment I stepped through that front door, time seemed to stop. The house was filled with soft candlelight and roses everywhere—like something out of a dream. My heart immediately knew something was different. And then I saw him—my Emond, standing there, waiting for me with that look I’ll never forget. I ran straight into his arms. And then, he dropped to one knee. In that moment, surrounded by love and beauty, I felt a joy I can’t put into words. I knew, without a doubt, I had found my forever—my lifetime lover, my partner, my best friend. It was more than a proposal; it was the beginning of our forever story.