Two years ago, my life changed because of a random text message. It all started when I received a picture of a man I had never seen before — no introduction, no context, just him. Naturally, my curiosity got the best of me, so I asked my friend, “Who is this??” But the reply didn’t come from my friend... it came directly from him. Derek. He introduced himself and told me he had seen a picture of me — and without hesitation or games — asked if he could have my number so we could talk. At that time, I wasn’t dating. I wasn’t even looking. But there was something about his boldness, his honesty, and his energy that immediately caught my attention. And once we started talking... we never stopped. We talked all day and all night. We texted nonstop. And before long, Derek was driving every single weekend just to see me — never missing a beat, never missing an opportunity to show up for me. We were intentional from the very beginning. Every conversation mattered. Every moment together was purposeful. We didn’t just date — we created memories that neither of us had ever experienced with anyone else. We did things like jet skiing together — laughing, screaming, creating memories in the middle of the water like two big kids — doing things neither of us had ever done with anyone else. Our love wasn’t just about romance; it was about friendship, partnership, adventure... consistency. But I’ll be honest... as beautiful as it was, I still had a moment where I almost let fear win. A moment of self-sabotage where I tried to walk away — questioning if I was ready or even worthy of the kind of love he was giving me so effortlessly. But Derek wouldn’t let go. He loved me through it. He reminded me that I wasn’t just someone people could depend on — I was someone who deserved to be loved, adored, and cherished simply for being me. He taught me how to see myself the way he saw me. And now here we are — standing in front of our family and friends — proof that when love is real, intentional, and God-ordained... it doesn’t miss you. All because of one picture. One bold message. And one man who loved me too much to ever let me go.