They say to put emotions aside and to play for the love of the game, well that couldn’t be further from the truth for these two cross-town rivals. Brady and Rachel met their eighth-grade year under a pretty usual circumstance, your everyday middle school birthday party. While Rachel was off being the typical social butterfly, Brady was close to drooling with love in his eyes. As conversation struck between two awkward middle schoolers, there was a weird feeling that arose. One that simply could not be explained yet. So, Brady wondered and worried about when he would get the opportunity to see her again, fortunately, a friend was having another party a few weeks later. So, Brady and Rachel spotted each other and walked over to the field next to the house and it was the first, and definitely not the last time, he asked her to be his girl. As they both rejoiced and blushed about what the future holds, reality took its turn, and the first serious question was asked, “Well I can’t drive and you can’t drive and we don’t go to the same school, so who’s mom is going to drive who?” Fortunately, we were both gifted with beyond wonderful parents who were able to make a dream a reality for to love birds at the time. As time went on and many, many cross-town games were played and many conjoined parties were attended, they stayed by each other’s side. Constant dates consisted of getting in Brady’s lifted Tacoma and going to Sonic, or going down and spending time with one another at the lake. Then came junior year of high school, the downfall. Basketball was big for the both of them and would always weasel itself into their complicated relationship, and boy oh boy did it continue. Although they had this “oh so serious” breakup, it was time to go their separate ways, down different paths of life, little did they know, it was time to grow up. Big time. As time continued and new friends were made, Brady and Rachel always found a way to bump into each other. It was like fate had a different plan for them, just not right now. The typical “How you been?” text would come out about every three months, mostly by Brady, and usually ignored. Rachel continued on to college to play for four years at a D2 college where she was every bit of a superstar. Did I mention she was in the 1000-point club? Brady carried on to play college basketball at a feeder school for Penn State University. After his first year, he decided to return home, knowing this was not the life for him. Brady continued on to join the United States Navy. The day before Brady left he called Rachel, and something in her heart said to answer the call. Brady made a promise to Rachel years ago, together or apart, he would always tell her when he was leaving, and he did. Well, about 10 months later into Brady’s “selected training” he hears from a former friend that Rachel is single again. Turns out the “How you been?” text worked this time and Brady and Rachel began to rekindle. As per fate has it, Brady was getting a chance to come home in two weeks. Those weeks that they were back home together felt exactly like what they wanted the rest of their life to feel like. They finally felt complete. After his first deployment, Brady gathered their closest friends and went to Panama City Beach. There he dropped to one knee and Rachel gave the easiest YES! They were so lucky to be surrounded by their closest people. Now they get the opportunity to share the most important day with those they hold nearest and dearest to their hearts. To forever and always……….