Karen and I met in fifth grade and instantly became friends. Our friendship grew year after year until high school, when it turned into a situationship. I say “situationship” because we knew we had feelings for each other that went beyond friendship, but we were scared of ruining what we had if things didn’t work out. After a series of back-and-forth conversations about the idea of dating, we took the “risk” and made it official. Then we graduated from high school and college together, and after landing the jobs we had always wanted, we eventually took it a step further and moved in together. Last year, we welcomed our baby girl, Lia, who is now in heaven. Her loss has strengthened our relationship, and our love continues to grow. As our story continued on a beautiful hike near Vancouver, Canada, I got down on one knee and proposed. After a few tears, she said yes — and here we are, celebrating our love story with all of you.