We first met through mutual friends who were dating at the time. We often found ourselves out together as part of the same group, and while there was plenty of easy flirtation, what really stood out was how much fun we always had together. When those friends eventually went their separate ways, our regular reason to see each other disappeared too. A few years later, fate stepped back in. That same mutual friend organized a casual happy hour and invited everyone, both of us included. It was the first time Kelli and I had seen each other in years, and the chemistry was undeniable (stronger this time… mostly thanks to a new salt-and-pepper beard). What started as a simple catch-up turned into a night full of laughter, reconnection, and, for the first time, a kiss. That night led to what would become our very last first date. As we began falling in love, the world threw us an unexpected curveball in the form of the COVID pandemic. We decided to move in together during that time—and we haven’t looked back since. What began as a friendship has grown into a deep, enduring love, and we’re so grateful that it led us here...ready to start our next chapter together.