It all started senior year, back when life was all about making memories before graduation. We were both invited to a mutual friend’s birthday party, but getting there was a mission. Khalil had gone ghost, not answering his phone, and Imani was irritated. After what felt like hours of searching, we finally found him, but we barely spoke that night. Seemed like just another missed connection—until Khalil slid into her KIK later on. Messages Imani didn’t even see until days later. Once she did? That was the beginning of everything. From the jump, there was something there. Imani thought Khalil was cute, funny, and very well-spoken. Khalil? He saw her and thought, Damn, she fine. She was quiet at first, but once she got comfortable, he saw the real her. Just four months in, Khalil told Imani he loved her. She hit him with a “Don’t say it if you don’t mean it.” Took her a month, but when she finally said it back, she meant it. Our early days were full of love, mixed with a few challenges. Imani went off to school long distance, and we had to figure it out—FaceTime, ooVoo, and counting down the days ‘til we could see each other again. But through every trip, every call, every moment apart, the love never wavered. Then came Captain, our fur baby, who’s been with us since he was six weeks old. He’s been part of our love story just as much as we have. There wasn’t one specific moment that told us we were meant to be—it was a thousand little ones, all adding up to something undeniable. And on April 22, 2023, Khalil made it official. He took Imani to The Look Out, a spot overlooking the entire city. For years, he had joked, “I’m gonna ask you to marry me here.” That day, surrounded by family and friends, he did just that. Imani thought they were just meeting up for his birthday dinner. Little did she know, she was walking into the moment that would change their lives forever. Imani loves Khalil’s heart—his optimism, his kindness, the way he’ll give his last without hesitation. Khalil loves Imani’s drive—how she moves through life fearlessly, never afraid to be exactly who she is. (And of course, he still thinks she’s fine as hell.) Now, we’re stepping into forever together. Our future holds greatness, both as individuals and as a couple. We see kids, new adventures, maybe even a new state to call home. But most of all, we see love—unwavering, undeniable, and led by God. This is just the beginning.