On October 7th, 2022, Nicholas reached out to me with a private message on Instagram. At first, our conversations were tentative, but soon, they blossomed into something special. A few weeks later, Nicholas asked me out to dinner. Initially, I hesitated, suggesting we go as friends. But during that first date, it quickly became clear that there was definitely more than just a friendship. We spent hours sharing our hopes, dreams, and deepest secrets. It felt as if we had known each other for years. Over the next six months, we were inseparable—attending baseball games, enjoying date nights, going on vacations, and supporting each other through late-night study sessions. Then, life threw us a curveball. Nicholas decided to attend graduate school 4 1/2 hours away, meaning we had to face the challenges of a long-distance relationship for the next two years. Despite the distance, our bond grew stronger. Every high and low we’ve experienced together, every laugh and tear, every precious memory has shaped us into the resilient couple we are today. Throughout these past 3 years, we've shared countless unforgettable moments and have become each other’s biggest supporters and truest friends. We wouldn’t change a thing about our journey because it has brought us here, to this beautiful moment, ready to begin the next chapter of our lives together.

It was 2022, and as much as I was completely focused on the game we were playing, I noticed the blonde in the stands. I immediately asked a teammate of mine who she was and his response was "That's Nicole, but she might be in a relationship, but I have no clue". We never spoke... Fast forward to October and a familiar face kept popping up on my social media. So, I messaged her. We talked for a couple of weeks, whenever she felt like responding until we went on our first date. That was of course as friends per her terms. But from the moment she got out of her car, I knew I was in trouble. But so was she, we weren't going to be friends anymore and she lost that battle. On November 27th, I found the courage to ask her to be my girlfriend. After graduation, I began my masters program 4 1/2 hours away, but never doubted if Nicole and I could make it work. She has been by my side through every challenge and hurdle in my life and ours together. The distance never became too much, and every mile driving back and forth to see each other was worth it. After two years, on November 27th, I made her my fiance. It was the best decision I have ever made and I cannot wait for the lifetime we are beginning together.