Ben was an active-duty Marine stationed in Twentynine Palms, California. Noele was a student at Rowan University, living with her new college best friends who, unknowingly, grew up with Ben. During a post deployment leave block in November, Ben visited home to South Jersey and decided to stop by Rowan to visit his friends from high school. That one choice led him to Noele. Their first encounter was lighthearted and filled with sarcastic teasing - nothing serious, just playful back-and-forth between two strangers. But something clicked. From that moment on, they were inseparable for the rest of the evening. Over the following two weeks, they spent as much time together as they could, getting to know each other quickly and deeply. But eventually, time ran out. Ben had to return to California. The night before his flight, Ben told Noele to expect a call from the airport. She hoped he meant it, but tried not to get her hopes up just in case it was a kind goodbye. But the very next day, as he waited to board his plane, he FaceTimed her. That simple call turned into hours, then days, then weeks of long conversations and late-night laughs across time zones. In just over a month, they were planning his Christmas visit and wondering how something so new could already feel so right. On December 26, 2020 - only their second official date - they stood together at the Edge in New York City, the skyline stretching before them, and made it official. What began as a chance encounter has grown into a love filled with strength, patience, and unwavering connection. Through distance, duty, and time, Ben and Noele built something rare - something rooted in friendship, honesty, and the kind of love that simply feels meant to be. Now, they can’t wait to begin this next chapter - side by side, forever.