In January 2022, Mallory’s cousin, Devyn, invited her to Austin for the weekend to attend the UT alumni baseball game. But Devyn had more than baseball in mind—she had someone special she wanted Mallory to meet. His name was David, a former Longhorn baseball player with a heart of gold and a sense of humor that, according to Devyn, matched Mallory’s perfectly. Mallory, a devoted mom to her son Braxton, had built a busy and beautiful life on her own. She wasn’t searching for anything, yet something about Devyn’s invitation sparked a flutter of curiosity. Still, as she made the drive to Austin, she couldn’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and nervous excitement. Then, she met him. David stood there, handsome and warm, his smile lighting up the room and easing every ounce of Mallory’s apprehension. Tequila might’ve helped a little, but the spark she felt was very real. That first evening together was filled with laughter, beer pong, Lil Wayne, Mexican food, and a lively night out—just two people having fun, completely unaware they were beginning something magical. Saturday came too quickly. Mallory had planned to return to Houston during the alumni game to be home in time for work. Time felt like it was slipping away far too fast. They shared a tender goodbye, sealed with a passionate kiss that left her heart beating a little faster. As she sat bundled up at the chilly game, watching David in those iconic baseball pants, something shifted. She couldn’t bring herself to leave—not yet. She wanted more time, more of him. So she stayed. After the game, she searched for him among the crowd. When their eyes met through the baseball net, everything else faded. David’s face lit up the moment he saw her still there. In that quiet, electric moment, they both knew—something extraordinary had just begun. The rest of the weekend felt like a reunion of two old souls rather than strangers meeting for the first time. There was an undeniable comfort, a rhythm that felt natural and easy. And when Sunday came, their goodbye was heavy with the understanding that this was only the beginning. Mallory showed up to work hours late that day—but with a full heart. What started as a simple blind date blossomed into something neither of them expected: a deep, effortless connection that would become their forever. And for that, they will always be grateful to Devyn—and to Zach—for bringing their hearts together. ❤️