It all began with a swipe on Facebook Dating. Little did we know, our chance encounter would blossom into a beautiful love story. Our first date was a movie night, watching "Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes." Although the movie didn't quite live up to our expectations, our connection did. We sat through the film, and as the credits rolled, we shared a warm hug, sparking a desire to spend more time together. As we parted ways, we couldn't wait to reconnect. We spent hours on the phone, lost in conversation. During the holiday season, I traveled to Mississippi and Texas to visit my family. Though we were apart, our bond only grew stronger. Upon my return, we continued to nurture our relationship. Six months later, we decided to take the next step and move in together. This decision wasn't taken lightly, but his commitment to sobriety – a journey he began during our relationship – gave me the confidence to take the leap. As you read this, he'll be celebrating one year of sobriety, a testament to his strength and dedication. As we built our life together, marriage became a frequent topic of conversation. We'd often joke about eloping to the courthouse, but I'm grateful we decided to celebrate with our loved ones instead. The proposal was a surprise I'll always treasure. He planned a special day, starting with breakfast at my favorite spot, followed by a trip to the mall, and then a movie night. After picking up my son Narcell, we headed to purchase a Christmas tree together. As we settled in for the evening, watching our favorite show "Love After Lockup," he got down on one knee and popped the question. In a moment of playful teasing, I thought we were still acting out a scene from the show. But as he placed the ring on my finger, reality set in, and I said yes! In that instant, I knew I'd found my partner, my best friend, and my soulmate. I promise to love and cherish him, and I'm excited to start this new chapter in our lives together.