It all started at Black Bear Diner, where our paths crossed while working together. What began as coworkers quickly turned into a friendship, and before long, we found ourselves growing more and more fond of each other. From the very beginning, there was something special between us. Strength met softness in all the right ways, and what we built together felt natural, steady, and real. It wasn’t rushed—it was the kind of connection that grew stronger over time and laid the foundation for everything that followed. As our relationship grew, so did our life together. We bought a home, created a space that truly feels like ours, and built a life filled with both adventure and simplicity. We love traveling and making new memories, but some of our best moments are the quiet ones—playing video games on laid-back days or sharing a home-cooked meal at the end of a long day. Through it all, we’ve faced life’s ups and downs side by side, continuing to choose each other every step of the way. Every challenge has made us stronger, and every moment—big or small—has brought us closer. One of the most meaningful parts of our story is the life we’ve built together. I came into this with my boys, and watching her step into that role with so much love, patience, and care has meant everything to me. She hasn’t just loved me—she’s embraced all of us. Somewhere along the way, what started as a simple friendship turned into a forever kind of love. Now, we’re so excited to continue building our life together and celebrate this next chapter surrounded by the people we love most.