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If you had told me back in sixth grade that I would one day be marrying Tommy, I would have laughed. We butted heads all through middle school, and were both completely stubborn and convinced we were right about everything. Everything changed during our eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C. I did not want to sit next to the person I came with anymore, so I decided to sit somewhere else on the bus. The only person sitting alone was, of course, Tommy. We spent that whole trip talking, laughing, and sharing food. It was like we suddenly realized we actually loved being around each other. By the time we got home, I pretty much knew this was the person I would end up with (I was right). All through freshman year, we were friends, and by sophomore year he finally caved and asked me to Homecoming. That night, October 7, 2017, became our anniversary, and we have been inseparable ever since. We grew up side by side through high school, going to dances, all outdoor activities, and all the little teenage milestones. After graduation, we both went to the University of Idaho, and basically spent four years attached even more. I technically had my own dorm, but basically lived in Tommy’s. I even would bring my lizard I snuck into the dorms down to his room every night. We eventually got our first apartment together, and I think we both knew right away that living together just worked. After college, we moved back to Coeur d’Alene initially in an apartment and quickly bought our first home in Hayden in November 2024. That house quickly filled with love, and a lot of fur. We got our first kitten, Sterling, who Tommy picked out. We brought home another cat in April, Princess Peach. And then came our puppy, Leo, short for Leopold Butters, an English Cocker Spaniel. Between the cats, the dog, and my three lizards, our home feels full and happy, and slightly like a zoo. On July 14, 2024, during a hike at Stevens Lake, Tommy proposed. I would be lying if I said I did not know. I did my nails in French tips with little silver bows just in case. I will say that Tommy was more picky than me about this ring, and the engineer really comes through on the perfect square and the matching triangle wedding band. Now, after eight years of growing, learning, laughing, and building a life together, we are getting married on June 27, 2026. It still feels surreal to look back at that middle school field trip and realize it led to everything we have now. Tommy truly is my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the person who feels like home no matter where we are. I cannot wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you. With love, Nyah