It all started in 2013 with a friendly bet over dinner at Olive Garden — Redskins vs. Lions. The Lions won, but Darius still walked away the real winner. From that night on, we were inseparable. A D.C. girl and a Detroit guy, we found our rhythm through laughter, family, and football. By December 2014, we had moved in together and started building a life full of love, adventure, and a few playful rivalries. The summer before his 2nd-grade year, Jadyn moved to Maryland full-time — and from day one, Jessica has loved him as her own. Before life’s next chapter, we shared countless memories — our first passport trip that sparked a love for travel, Jessica introducing Darius to her thrill-seeking side on roller coasters, and Darius returning the favor by freezing Jessica and Yaris during a Detroit winter. ❄️ In 2018, we took time apart — four years of growth that allowed us both to mature, strengthen our communication, and become better for one another. During that time, Jessica adopted Sugar, a sweet and sassy pup who would later become the missing piece of our family. When Darius and Jadyn built their own bonds with Sugar, she quickly became everyone’s favorite — and the way she and Jadyn act like true little sister and big brother brings laughter and warmth to our home every day. Years later, Darius planned what Jessica thought was a dinner to celebrate his work promotion. Surrounded by both of our parents — and with Jadyn right by our side — he revealed a “burn-away” cake that melted away to uncover the words: “Will you marry me, Jessica?” Now, our Sundays are filled with football, laughter, and love — with Sugar proudly wearing two jerseys, one for D.C. and one for Detroit. We can’t wait to begin our next adventure together — saying “I do” in beautiful Jamaica.