We’ve been friends since 2016 and over the years, our paths crossed in small but meaningful ways — grabbing food whenever we happened to both be in Tyler, picking right back up like no time had passed. What we thought was just friendship was quietly becoming the foundation for something so much more. In December of 2023, we had plans to meet up again, but before that even happened, we ran into each other unexpectedly at Dick’s Sporting Goods while doing some last-minute Christmas shopping. A few days later, we met at True Vine and talked until the place shut down for the night. Something about that evening felt different — like a shift neither of us could ignore. About a week later, Jordan invited me to spend New Year’s Eve with him, and at midnight, we shared our first kiss. It marked the beginning of a love neither of us saw coming. Reality hit quickly though — he was leaving for Germany the very next day. That night, we talked about what this could mean, how hard the distance would be, and whether our hearts were brave enough to try. We decided to take it slow, even though deep down, we already knew this was something special. What followed were FaceTime calls that turned into FaceTime dates, laughter shared through screens, and love built across time zones. Even with an ocean between us, we found ways to choose each other every single day. On March 22, 2024, Jordan asked me to be his girlfriend, and from that moment on, we were all in. For 519 days, we loved from opposite sides of the world. We counted down visits, cried through goodbyes, celebrated the smallest moments, and leaned on faith when the distance felt overwhelming. Somewhere between the calls, the miles, and the waiting, we fell deeply in love. After all the waiting, the miles, the late-night calls, and faith it took to keep choosing each other, we finally get to stand here together. What began as a friendship has grown into the greatest love of our lives. Through every season, we have been each other's safe place, best friend, and answered prayer. Now we start our forever, knowing God's timing was always perfect and His plans even greater.