In 2015, Shaye returned to Wake Forest after living abroad, seeking a fresh start with a little more than hope and a babysitting profile on Care.com. Across town in Durham, Faheem, a 26-year-old single father, was navigating life with his two-year-old son, Kaiden. When an important event arose and his usual childcare fell through, Faheem turned to Care.com, where a message to Shaye changed everything. When Shaye arrived to babysit Kaiden, something unspoken passed between them. Shaye, guided by her belief that “energy doesn’t lie,” felt an immediate connection. Faheem, captivated by her warmth and grace, found himself drawn to her in a way he hadn’t expected. Their conversations, initially about Kaiden’s bedtime routine, soon deepened into late-night texts and shared stories. Their bond blossomed through unforgettable moments. When Shaye visited a friend in Florida, Faheem, unable to stay away, booked a flight to join her. What began as a spontaneous visit turned into a journey of long talks and a winding trip home, their connection growing stronger with every mile. A weekend getaway to a Beaufort music festival sealed their feelings, but life’s timing wasn’t yet right. Shaye was rebuilding herself, and Faheem was navigating a recent separation. After ten months, they parted as friends, their hearts still tethered. Over the next seven years, they remained constants in each other’s lives. Shaye sought Faheem’s advice on cars and jewelry, while he turned to her for insights on Kaiden’s schools and new business ventures. Through separate paths and relationships, their friendship endured. In summer 2022, both at turning points, they met for dinner in Raleigh. What was meant to be a brief catch-up stretched into nine hours of raw, honest conversation. In that moment, they knew—they were each other’s home. From that August night, Shaye, Faheem, and Kaiden (now 13!) have built a life together, their love growing stronger every day. On July 5, 2024, in the serene Blue Ridge Mountains, Faheem, with Kaiden by his side, asked Shaye to be his forever. She said yes, and now, as we prepare to say “I do,” we’re grateful to share this journey with you, our loved ones. Thank you for being part of our story. With all our love, Shaye, Faheem, and Kaiden