Every love story has its own rhythm, and ours began with duty, friendship, and timing. We first met while serving in the Army—Jesse had just become a newly minted Warrant Officer 1 and was among the very first Chemical Warrant Officers assigned to an ADA Battalion. From day one, we worked side by side, building a deep respect and a strong bond through years of professional collaboration. Though our connection was rooted in our shared mission, something meaningful was quietly forming in the background. As often happens in military life, our paths eventually went in different directions. It wasn’t until April 2020, after retirement brought me back to Killeen, Texas, that life gave us a second chance. We reconnected—no pressure, no labels—just two people enjoying each other’s company. Everything about it felt natural, easy, and right. Then came 2021, when Jesse left for a month-long assignment in Korea. Despite the distance, we talked every single day, and it didn’t take long for us to realize what we truly meant to each other. That time apart made one thing perfectly clear: this was love, and we didn’t want to face life without each other. Soon after, Jesse was set to move to Maryland for work. Long-distance wasn’t something either of us wanted. So, we followed our hearts and made a decision—we got married. Right there in Killeen, Texas, in front of the judge, with our dear friend Nikki by our side as our witness. Since that day, we’ve been building a beautiful life together. Our little family grew with the addition of our beloved Ms. Pure, and our love has only deepened over time. Now, as we celebrate five wonderful years of marriage, we’re overjoyed to share our love story with you—the people who have supported and loved us along the way. We can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with you.