In August of 2023, we first met through mutual friends during a study session at the library. Her beauty immediately caught my eye! After that, I only saw Julia four more times randomly throughout the semester. Yet, every single interaction left me more curious and interested in wanting to know her better. Later that month, we ran into each other at Chick-fil-A. It brought me so much joy just listening to her share about her errands for the day and seeing her work ethic. I was genuinely impressed. Then, sometime in September, we crossed paths on campus at a flea market. It was just a quick, sweet “hi and bye,” but her smile stayed with me the rest of the week. In October, I saw her again at Chick-fil-A on campus, reading a book. To put this in perspective, this was at noon, the busiest time of the day. It was chaos all around, yet there Julia sat, calmly reading, as if a beam of light was shining on her. I couldn’t help but start a conversation with her, alongside my friend Ty. I was fascinated by her mind and presence, and from that moment on, I knew I wanted to pursue her. By November, at a college Friendsgiving, Julia rushed over to introduce me to her little sister, Alyssa. My heart whispered, Julia is truly the sweetest and kindest woman. That night ended with a worship service, and watching Julia worship was divine to witness. Then came January 14th. After church service, I was tearing down my drum set when Julia walked onto the stage, where musicians were busy rushing around, and started asking me about my winter break. We talked the entire time it took to clear the stage. She was so thoughtful, and yet, deep down, I believed she didn’t have any feelings for me. I tried to hide mine well… or so I thought. That same day, I got her number, and we talked for two weeks straight. Then, in her eyes, I had “ghosted” her for two months. I thought she hated my guts. I had given her what I intended as brotherly advice, but it came across as harsh and rude. Believing I had ruined everything, I assumed she didn’t want anything to do with me and decided to pull back. During this time, I was reading a book called Outdated. And no matter how hard I tried, Julia’s name, her smile, and her warm presence wouldn’t leave my mind. For two weeks I wrestled with what to do. I asked friends for advice, and every single one told me I had no chance. Still, I prayed hard. The only step that felt wise was to ask her on a date with the intention of marriage in mind, or move on with my life. She would not leave my thoughts. So, I decided to ask Ms. Intriguing herself. I texted her: "Hey, I would love a yes! I know I left our friendship in a very confusing spot, and I’d love to clear the air. I find you very interesting and would love the honor of getting to know you more. May I take you out on a coffee date?" To my joy, she replied, “I would love that.” We met at Jo’s Café for what was supposed to be a 20-minute coffee date. I even brought Jenga with intentional questions written on the blocks to break the ice. But after just a few minutes, the questions weren’t needed. We were talking, clearing the air, laughing, and connecting naturally. Coffee turned into lunch. Lunch turned into a river walk. The river walk turned into snow cones. And snow cones turned into sitting on a deck over the river, watching the sunset. After our day, I ran to HEB and brought her a bouquet of flowers to clearly set my intentions and feelings. What began as a 20-minute coffee date became a 6-hour adventure. From that day on, I knew I wanted to experience life with Julia. Not to see if she could be my wife, but to confirm what I already felt deep down...Julias the one.