Sometimes love arrives quietly. Other times, it starts with a simple "Hi." Sarah didn't join Bumble on a whim. A friend may have nudged her but the truth was she felt ready. Ready to open her heart, ready to try, ready for something real. Then she saw Nicholas She swiped right (of course-he was handsome) but it wasn't just that. There was something familiar about him. A kind face. Shared values mattered too, And faith was important to her. So she did what any brave woman would do, she sent the first message. "Hi." They talked on Bumble, though Nicholas wasn't exactly glued to the app. His replies came late, not from disinterest but because he simply wasn't the type to check it often. Eventually, he gave Sarah his number so texting would be easier. And then... she waited to text back. A whole week. Not because she wasn't interested but because she was thoughtful. She noticed how their conversations were easy, consistent and enjoyable. He wasn't pushy. He took his time. He genuinely wanted to know her and that is when she thought "Why not give this a real chance?" Their first date was at Wild River Pizza. Sarah was nervous. Nicholas would later admit he was nervous too, just not until the second date. Her first impression? "He's short." She still laughs about it. When Sarah asked for his last name, Nicholas did something unexpected, he pulled out his driver's license. His last name "Vandendriesche" was long, complicated and not exactly easy to spell or pronounce. The moment made her laugh and just like that, the nerves softened. Sarah talked about her life in Saudi Arabia before moving to Medford. Stories, experiences, chapters of her life that mattered deeply to her. Nicholas listened. Really listened. He didn't get bored, didn't rush her. And somewhere between pizza slices and stories from across the world, Nicholas earned himself a second date. That second date was at Top & Vine and from there, their story unfolded naturally. What followed was two years and four months of growing together, learning, choosing each other daily, building traditions and creating a life rooted in love, faith and friendship. One of this traditions began early on, annual pumpkin carving every October. On October 29, 2025 during what Sarah thought was just another cozy tradition before Halloween, Nicholas did something unexpected. While carving, he suddenly wrapped his pumpkin with a towel. It was unusual but Sarah brushed it off, she assumed he was just being competitive. When it was time to reveal their pumpkins, Nicholas removed the towel. Carved into his pumpkin were the words "Marry me?" Sarah didn't hesitate. No second-guessing. No doubt. She said yes- the easiest yes she's ever said. What started as a simple "Hi" became a steady, intentional love neither of them rushed but both were ready for.