Looking back on our relationship makes me grateful for all the coincidences which led us to each other. In August of 2015, we both started working for the City and County of Denver. Over the course of a little more than a year, we talked in passing. As soon as we exchanged phone numbers, our relationship grew exponentially. Our first date was during a lunch break, and from then on, we spent every lunch together. On October 31st, 2016, while everyone else was celebrating Halloween, Jermell took me to the "Swing on Humboldt". It was a crisp autumn evening, and Jermell pushed me high into the dark clear sky. His romantic gesture filled me with bliss, and that marked the day we went from "work friends" to "boyfriend and girlfriend". Nights like those continued; we shared stories, laughed together, and learned we have a lot of things in common. It didn't take long to envision a life together. We both were ready to move away from Colorado. There were various cities in the running, and we ultimately chose San Diego, California. The warm climate and lack of snow pulled us in. We moved to San Diego in August of 2017 and built our life together there. We enjoy everything San Diego has to offer, including eclectic eateries, festivals, and of course, the beaches. The best part of our relationship is we were always our authentic selves. We never had to put up a facade because our relationship grew organically. When we engaged in discussions at work, we were establishing camaraderie and rapport. Unbeknownst to us at the time, we were building the foundation for our relationship. Jermell continues to show me what true love is. Our relationship is based on honesty and mutual support. I couldn't ask for anyone better. I'm elated to be marrying my soulmate.