In January 2016 I began my last student teaching rounds at The University of Texas at Austin. Our class went to observe a teacher who had been applauded for her immense skill. Vigorously taking notes I was suddenly distracted by the beautiful teacher that, at the time, I was only allowed to know as “Ms. Jones.” In the hallway a few weeks later, with nothing but a small piece of paper in hand, I saw “Ms. Jones” walking towards me. Without warning, I handed off the paper and walked on as “Ms. Jones” looked bewildered at a post-it note with nothing on it. Finally, my chance arrived at the talent show meeting. I had little interest in attending until I found out “Ms. Jones” would be there. I quickly invited myself hoping opportunity would present itself. With only three seats left at the table my chances were good. Luckily “Ms. Jones” walked in and perch herself next to me. Bored with the topic of the meeting, I turned to “Ms. Jones” and asked her if she likes country music. After a robust yes I asked if she had ever been two-stepping. Another yes. As casually as a man with trash to dispose of, I explained I would be at a dance hall, and she was welcome to join. She expressed interest, but improbability only allowed me to hope ever so slightly she would come. That night I looked up and couldn’t believe it! “Ms. Jones” walked in and I very quickly finished the song to meet her (sorry to whoever I was dancing with). I walked up to an apprehensive friend and a beautiful woman who was ready to dance. I swiftly took her hand as we walked towards the dance floor. Her slow pace told me “I’m ready, but don’t think I’m gonna make this easy.” Midway through the first song I gently pushed away and her hair began to flow as we swung and spun around the dance floor. Finally, the spinning stopped and the smile that lasts forever in my memory took form on her face. The bright, warm smile stealing my heart everyday no longer belongs to “Ms. Jones,” but instead to my love.

We'd just purchased our first home in Austin, Texas. Thinking about the beautiful sunsets we'd watch from the back porch, we planned our housewarming. The day of the housewarming was chaotic, the grill sizzling, sangrias stirring, our delicious homemade salsas ready for eating. We were thrilled to share our home. As friends and family arrived, we got to show off our small Texas home. This is when I got to meet AJ's cousin visiting from far away. Keep this in mind for later... It's time for lunch to be served; AJ leads the party in a blessing of the food. As he finishes the blessing, he takes me by the arms and positions me in front of him. There, in the center of the crowd, AJ gets down on one knee. And there in the corner, the mysterious "cousin" holds a big camera ready to capture our beautiful moment. Not a cousin, but a hired photographer. If I could, I'd marry AJ a hundred times over. He is my soul mate and I can't wait to spend many sunsets by his side. This day we celebrated more than our new home, we celebrated the first day of the rest of our lives.