Zayne and I first met in history class when I moved to Holly Pond our freshman year of high school. That first year was merely quick glances across the classroom and maybe a soft smile if one of us was feeling bold that day. It wasn’t until the summer going into sophomore year that our story truly began. We spent that summer playfully teasing and subtly flirting, each of us wondering if the other felt the same. It became our own little game — a dance of “tag,” full of butterflies and unspoken hopes, both of us waiting for the other to take the first step. All the while, Momma Todd had it all figured out. She would smile and tell me, “He likes you,” with such certainty — but of course, I just laughed and refused to believe her. Looking back now, I should’ve known a mother’s intuition is rarely wrong. When sophomore year started, Zayne finally built up the courage to ask me out. Our first date was to Buffalo Wild Wings after the first home football game. The conversation was easy. It felt as if we had known each other our whole lives. It just felt right. On the way home that night, he asked me to be his girlfriend. There's never been a doubt that he's been my person. We are so grateful for all the memories we've shared and are so excited for this next adventure.