Right after high school graduation, we both headed to senior week in Ocean City, Maryland, just about three hours from home. Although we had grown up about fifteen minutes apart, it took a trip across the state for us to finally meet. Kayla was originally going on a cruise right after graduation, but the universe had other plans and COVID-19 cancelled the cruise. Senior week became the backup plan that turned into the best twist of all. After that week at the beach, we kept in touch, talking every day until it was impossible to deny that something special had begun. Just before we both left for college, we decided to start dating... and then we spent almost five years navigating long-distance between Pennsylvania and Florida. Kayla eventually graduated from college and moved home. Derek joined the military and moved to Colorado. Then, on a beautiful day in Colorado, Derek proposed in Rocky Mountain National Park surrounded by mountains and the feeling that every mile we spent apart had finally led us right back together. And now, we can’t wait for the next chapter. Forever (and finally) in the same place.