It all started with a dog. In December 2022, fate (and a fluffy labradoodle named Odin) brought us together at Skyport. A simple introduction—“He’s a labradoodle”—turned into something neither of us expected. Odin, who usually sticks close to me, walked right over and laid his head in James’s lap, like he’d decided right then and there to claim him. I stole a few glances—and I couldn’t shake the thought of him afterward. A few months later, on Valentine’s Day 2023, Logan and I were out on a our mother-son date when James showed up—alone, and somehow seated directly in my view. My friend, who was nearby and I had a full-blown, silent fangirl meltdown the second he sat down. And James, true to who he is, brought his easy laugh, that big heart, and the kind of warmth that made it feel like we’ve known him forever. Not long after, we ended up on a casual group date—nothing fancy, just good people and good food. I got to see how naturally he connected with Logan and how comfortable he was in the moment, and that only drew me in more. Our first official date was snowshoeing to a frozen waterfall, and we stayed out until the sun dipped low. Somewhere between the conversation, the laughter, and the peaceful stillness of nature, it became clear—this was something rare, something real. I was completely smitten. That day set the tone for every adventure that’s followed.

At the top of Medicine Bow Peak, surrounded by wildflowers, glacier snow, and sweeping mountain views, James grabbed both of my hands and proposed with a shaky smile and the most exquisite piece of hardware he could find—a glamorous hose clamp. I laughed, said yes, and took in the moment with every bit of my heart. Newly engaged and beaming, pockets full of rocks, I made my way down the mountain beside my best friend, my forever, and without a doubt—my ride or die.