In the earliest days of my school life, I was a small kid donning a big, white coat, probably a tad too large for my frame. The other children on the bus took notice, teasing me with the nickname "marshmallow." Ryan may have participated in the bullying, but he "doesn't remember." Nonetheless, his presence lingered in my memory. Years passed, yet the memory of that red-haired boy on the bus stayed with me. Our paths crossed in unexpected places. We found ourselves in the same library theater production of Beauty and the Beast. Though we never exchanged words, his presence sparked recognition. He remembered me, too, as the girl in the fluffy white coat. High school brought us together again, this time in the bustling world of theater. Even amid the chaos of rehearsals and performances, I still recognized him. Then came the unexpected turn of events—a casual hangout with friends, then Ryan handed me a kazoo, sparking laughter and camaraderie. We shared moments playing video games, the air buzzing with shared excitement. The tipping point arrived at a party in his house. Amidst the chatter and laughter, Ryan asked me out on a date. It was a simple question, yet it held the weight of all those years of silent recognition and unspoken connection. And just like that, our story began—a journey that started with childhood memories and blossomed into something beautiful, something worth holding onto.
At the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, me in a tiara and him in a knight helmet, Ryan became my true knight in shining armor when he got down on one knee and popped the question. And yes, he did ask my mom and dad for their blessing first <3