We first crossed paths in 8th grade when my best friend and Denise started dating. At first, we could hardly stand each other, but as the school year went on, we started to tolerate each other. Throughout high school, we became friends, and by the end, we were best friends. Junior and senior years, we hung out almost every day. I even helped her moms surprise her with her first car. Denise still says that's when she knew I would always be in her life. Life took us in different directions when we started college. We drifted apart and did our own things. During my last year in college, we began to reconnect. After graduation, I returned to Birmingham, and we picked up where we had left off, spending nearly every day together and soon we began to officially date. After two years of dating, I found myself at a crossroads. A dream job opportunity arose, but there was a catch, it was in Califonia. After many long and heartfelt conversations, we decided to chase this new adventure together, no matter the distance or challenges ahead. For three long months, I would have to work in California while Denise and our dogs remained in Alabama. When it was time to do the move, I flew back with one big thing on my mind above moving. Proposing. In that time, I found the perfect ring, one just like she had always dreamed of. With a lot of help from her incredible moms, we planned every detail of the proposal. When the time finally came for her to join me, I flew back not just to move, but to ask the most important question of my life. On my very first full day home, with my heart pounding and my future in my hands, she said yes. Now, we’re building a beautiful life together in California, cherishing every moment while always dreaming of our next visit home. We don’t know where life will take us next, but one thing is certain—we will always have each other, no matter where the wind carries us.