Chris and I met the way so many modern love stories begin—on the dating app Hinge. We both swiped right, sparking what we thought would be a fun connection. After chatting for a bit on the app, we decided to talk on the phone. Our first date wasn’t typical at all—it was in the VR, where Chris took me to a custom world he had created. It was an unforgettable experience, and we both felt an instant connection. The next night, we played Fortnite together, which only deepened our bond. The following day, I had a meeting in the East Bay, which meant driving through Tracy on my way home. On a whim, I called Chris and asked if he wanted to grab lunch. He said yes, and we had our first in-person date at Chili’s in Tracy. For those who know me, you know I love my fajitas, so Chili’s was the perfect spot for a casual but fun date. We had a great time, made plans for later in the week, and everything seemed to be going well. Unfortunately, things took a turn when Chris got sick and had to cancel not only our in-person date but also our gaming date. After giving him another chance, we finally made it to Dave & Buster’s, but the date was a total dud. Chris wasn’t talking much, and the connection just felt off. At one point, he asked me if I was having a good time, and I had to be honest—I said no. The date ended after 45 minutes with a hug and a quick kiss. Strangely enough, despite the awkwardness, I knew there was something special in that kiss. The next morning, Chris texted me, letting me know that he thought I was amazing but that he hoped I’d find someone better. I didn’t reply. I knew he needed time to realize he was making a huge mistake. And sure enough, he did. On Monday, I found an excuse to text him, sending an article that sparked a new conversation. It was then that Chris admitted he had made a mistake and that he wasn’t going to find anyone like me. What we didn’t know at the time was that Chris actually had COVID during that Dave & Buster’s date, which explained why he wasn’t himself. With that in mind, I decided to give him another chance, and from there, everything just clicked. We took things slow at first, but soon, weekends together led to many weekend trips and amazing memories. We introduced our kids online, and eventually in person. The kids meshed so well that everything just felt perfect. Both of us being gamers, with gaming children, was just an amazing bonus to the love we created. Sharing that common connection in a world we both loved made our bond even stronger, turning the everyday into something special. It felt like fate had brought us together—not just as partners, but as a family. Our love grew stronger with each passing moment, and on May 25, 2024, Chris proposed in front of my family. There wasn’t a doubt in either of our minds that this was forever. We’re thankful and blessed to start this new chapter as a blended family, and we can’t wait to celebrate the day we officially become one beautiful family.