We knew each other long before we ever dated. We worked together, passed each other in hallways, and somehow went years without really talking. There was interest early on, even if it wasn’t obvious at the time. Friends offered encouragement, but neither of us was quite brave enough to make the first move. Eventually, a little outside help stepped in. With some encouragement from family, and thanks to our boss, we were added to a group message that finally gave us a reason to talk. Texting turned into conversation, and just a few days later, we went on our first date. We decided on Char in Springfield, wanting to make a good impression at a place that was new to both of us. One of us, caught off guard by the high-class pick, immediately decided the occasion required a wardrobe change, while the other was ready hours early out of pure excitement. Knowing the date involved a long drive, we agreed to keep things low-pressure. There was an easy way out offered if it didn’t feel right, and a quick mention of Life360 seemed fair. Dinner didn’t end the night. We went bowling at Andy B’s, kept talking, kept laughing, and the early exit offered at the start was never taken. That night was everything. We kept spending time together, going on more dates, and learning how to navigate dating while working together. It wasn’t always simple, but when you’re with the right person, things tend to fall into place. Without ever announcing it, dating slowly turned into life. One date became days together, days became weeks, and weeks became years. There wasn’t a single moment where everything changed, just a steady feeling that this was exactly where we were meant to be. If there were a moment we had to name, it might be our lucky Friday the 13th. Living together didn’t feel like a leap; it felt natural. So did the rest of life. We had already become a “we.” Nothing felt forced or rushed, it was just a continuation of what had always been there. We were “official” long before it was ever officially asked. We felt married before there was ever a proposal. So, when the proposal finally came, it wasn’t about starting something new; it was about putting words to what we already knew was true. Now we’re preparing for our wedding, where we’ll stand in front of our families and officially declare what has always felt certain, that we choose each other, every day. A promise we’ve already been living, and one we can’t wait to keep for the rest of our lives.