In the beginning, it was just a boy and a girl in elementary school—John and Nadine—two kids crossing paths for the first time among lunch lines, spelling tests, and playground games. John and Nadine weren’t childhood sweethearts, but they shared classrooms, hallways, and the occasional glance during story time. When middle school rolled around, they were still part of the same world—same building, same awkward years, same math homework—but life, as it tends to do, eventually carried them in different directions. Over the next 40 years, they each lived full lives. John served his country in the military. Nadine built a career in State Government. Together, yet apart, they navigated families, challenges, adventures, and growth. Then, in a twist only time can write, their paths crossed again—older, wiser, and ready. Now, John and Nadine are standing side by side, choosing to build something even stronger together: a life of love, partnership, and purpose in marriage. Because sometimes, the seeds planted in childhood don’t bloom until the season is just right.