We met at a time when neither of us was looking for love. I was fully committed to my independent, do-it-all-myself era. Then, the summer just after I graduated, Gabriel walked into the restaurant where I worked—and suddenly, my plans for my life changed. God was now in control of my heart. I noticed him immediately (how could I not?) but quickly brushed it off when I learned he was younger and still in high school. What I didn’t know was that Gabriel had seen me that very same day and felt the exact same spark. In fact, his family had already tried to set us up before he even met me—so when he finally came to see me for himself, it was love at first sight. From that moment on, he made it his mission to be near me. He found my socials, liked every photo, asked around about me, and even applied for the job I worked at—just for a chance to see me every day. And still, it took weeks before he could work up the courage to talk to me. Then came the DM that changed everything: “Do you have a map?” Confused, I replied trying my best to help out a fellow coworker—only for him to follow up with, “I just get lost in your eyes.” Cheesy? Absolutely, and I still make fun of him for it, but was it perfect? Without a doubt. From there, we talked nonstop and quickly became inseparable, even though I swore I wasn’t ready for anything serious. One afternoon after work, Gabriel walked me to my car, wrapped me in his arms, and said, “Iris Shaver, you’re going to fall in love with me.” The crazy part? I already had. From the very beginning, our love has been pure magic. I no longer have to be the strong woman who does everything alone—because Gabriel treats me like a princess every single day. And I couldn’t be more grateful that this is our love story. What started as a chance meeting at just the right time became the safest love I’ve ever known. He didn’t just find me—he was made for me. In a season when I was certain I didn’t need anyone, God (answered all my prayers) and sent me Gabriel. He became my home, my calm, and my forever—proof that the greatest love stories are the ones you never see coming.