We initially met in the summer of 2022 while on a kayaking trip for young professionals in our community. We were doing a "Creek Cleanup" and before we started, we all went around in a circle and shared a fun fact about ourselves. I can't remember what Michael's was...I think it was probably about his recent move back to Ohio from Baton Rouge. (Mine was simple—I have two first names. ‘Nikki’ was a childhood nickname from my grandparents, which I proudly made official in 2nd grade, insisting everyone use it and 'Susan', my actual legal first name.) Michael and I didn't really talk during this kayaking trip but I do recall him floating by, with a large tire on the front of his kayak, loud music playing, and a fishing pole hanging off the back. Fast forward to St. Patrick’s Day weekend, 2023. My best friend Macy and I were making the rounds at our favorite spots, starting at Steiner’s Speakeasy, proudly rocking the free green ‘Tullamore D.E.W.’ visors handed out by the bartenders. We were about to head to another bar when I crossed paths with Will Mahaffey and his friends—Michael among them. I stopped to say hello, and before I left, Michael offered a hug. I walked away grinning ear to ear, already hoping I’d see him again soon... 2 days later, he slid into my DM's :) We scheduled our first date for a Wednesday evening at Old Capital Brewing, in downtown Chillicothe. I was beyond nervous but determined to play it cool. I was under the impression that Michael was a bit of a "pretty boy" and I wasn't interested in another one of those. We talked for three hours and could have kept going if we hadn’t realized we’d skipped dinner. I didn’t want to leave, but I also wasn’t quite ready to let my guard down. So, when Michael asked for my number as we said our goodbyes, I suggested we hold off until after a few more dates. He took it in stride—then went in for a kiss as I got into my car. Caught completely off guard, I blurted out, ‘Be safe, Michael,’ before quickly shutting the door. We still laugh about it to this day—and it certainly wouldn’t be the last time one of us muttered something awkward before making a swift exit. By Friday, we were already eager for our second date: bowling. I was just as nervous, but Michael put me at ease immediately—by flipping around and rolling his ball down the lane upside down between his legs. Needless to say, any tension I felt quickly turned into laughter. He kept me laughing all night—waving and smiling at the kids next to us, teaching them how to bowl between their legs, and just being his goofy, happy self. By the end of the night, he’d earned my phone number... and a couple of kisses. Not long after, we both realized we never wanted to go a day without seeing each other. The very next afternoon, we took a walk and talked about our feelings, and from that moment on, we were pretty much inseparable. A few months later, Michael accidentally blurted out, ‘Love you, bye’ as he left my apartment—caught on camera, thanks to my Dad and Step-Mom Jen’s security system. We laughed it off, but deep down, we both knew the truth: that spark between us was real… and it felt like it was something that could last forever. Over the next few months, we introduced our dogs, explored the outdoors on weekend camping trips and hikes, and danced our way through concerts and adventures. We planned our first vacation together—and when we got back, moving in felt like the most natural next step. We simply couldn’t imagine another night apart. What we’ve built is more than love—it’s a friendship unlike anything either of us has known. One rooted in honesty, kindness, trust, and the unwavering promise to be each other’s safe space. Now, we’re beyond excited to take on life’s greatest adventure together. And as we step into this next chapter, we feel like the luckiest people in the world. We can’t wait to celebrate with all the family and friends who have been part of our journey so far <3