Mo had just moved back from Texas. Cassie had just graduated high school. It was the summer of 2011. A mutual acquaintance invited them separately to Causeway Park in Tampa, Florida, one hot afternoon. It was the first time they ever saw each other. Their first exchange wasn’t the usual “Hi, I’m Mo,” but instead, “Wow, black gladiator shoes in a park, huh?” That moment sparked an instant connection. Their friendship grew stronger over time and eventually blossomed into love. On December 31, 2020, at 11:30 p.m., Mo was getting off work at Sam’s Club when he messaged Cassie to ask what she was doing for New Year’s Eve. At the time, Cassie was a single mother who had just dropped off her daughter, Cecilia, with her grandparents. Embarrassed, she told Mo she planned to spend the night alone with a bottle of wine. Thinking quickly, Mo suggested they bring in the new year together. With time running out, Cassie didn’t hesitate. She drove straight to Seffner, Florida. At 11:58 p.m., she messaged, “I made it! I’m here!!” As the clock struck midnight, Mo greeted her with open arms and gave her the first New Year’s kiss she’d ever received. As their relationship grew, Mo knew he was ready for the next step. He invited Cassie to meet Cecilia. “Hello beautiful, how are you?” he said. Cecilia didn’t respond with words. Instead, she offered him a handful of Honey Nut Cheerios and a big smile. That moment told Mo everything—she was his little princess. Life together brought birthdays, holidays, and shared memories. On January 20, 2022, at 10:30 p.m., Mo came home from work to find a sticky note at the front door. It led him to a scavenger hunt that ended in their bedroom, where Cassie waited surrounded by pink and blue balloons. A canvas with a pregnancy test read, “Player 4 has entered the game.” Their son, Thiago Anthony, was born on September 14, 2022. Two more years passed filled with family moments, school events, and celebrations. All the while, Mo was quietly planning something big. Best friend, TT, was planning her destination wedding to Puerto Rico. Knowing they would attend, Mo asked TT for her blessing to propose during the trip. Elated, together they began planning the proposal. Mo contacted each member of Cassie’s family to ask for their blessing. Once he had their support, he found the perfect ring. On June 8, 2024, around 3:30 a.m., Mo and Cassie rushed to catch their flight from Tampa to Puerto Rico. After landing, they checked into their Airbnb and rested before heading to Old San Juan. Around 4:30 p.m., Mo told Cassie, “There’s this place I want to see before we meet up with everyone.” Cassie, always a free spirit, followed without hesitation. “Hold my hand please, I feel like I’m going to fall!” she said as they walked the hilly streets. Mo led her to Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Cassie’s eyes lit up at the sight of the massive fort. “I’d love to go down by the ocean, please?” she asked. They walked hand in hand to the outer walls. As she looked out at the ocean, she turned to find Mo on one knee. “Oh my gosh, you fell?!” she said. Holding the ring, Mo replied, “Does it look like I’ve fallen?” Several heartfelt exchanges later, CASSIE SAID YESSS! After several kisses, Mo said, “Look up.” At the top of the hill, their best friends were jumping and waving, ready to celebrate.