It is hard to believe two people could spend four years on the same four square mile campus without ever crossing paths. From 2013 to 2017, both Erica and Alex called Virginia Tech home. They walked the same sidewalks, studied in the same buildings, cheered at the same football games, and were even part of the same small Greek life community. And yet, somehow, their paths never crossed. Eight years later, fate finally stepped in through a very twenty first century kind of way. Of all places, they matched on Hinge. What followed was a few weeks of light conversation, playful banter, and a series of messages that showcased Alex’s best attempts at being charming. Persistence, a touch of humor, and maybe one or two well timed emojis eventually did the trick. Their first date was a drink at the Pinemoor. It was simple and easy, the kind of night where conversation flowed and nothing felt forced. They laughed, talked for hours, and got some unexpected help from the bartender, who decided they needed more free shots than anyone had asked for. Whether he was playing matchmaker or just feeling generous, it only added to the fun. What was meant to be a casual meetup quickly became something more. That evening sparked a connection that neither expected but both immediately felt. As they kept talking, the surprises kept coming. They were amazed by how many people and places they had in common. “Wait, you worked at the Empo with Cayleen?” “Your roommate’s SK little is from Stafford? I know her.” Each shared connection brought another moment of disbelief, laughter, and that feeling of everything starting to make sense. It felt less like they were meeting for the first time and more like they were finally catching up. The longer they talked, the clearer it became that their lives had been quietly weaving around each other for years, waiting for the right moment. What started as a swipe turned into something real, something lasting, something that already felt like home. Looking back, it seems the universe had been nudging them together all along. All the near misses and almosts led to that one ordinary moment that became something extraordinary. What began with missed chances in college and a swipe on an app turned into the start of forever. In 2022, they moved into their first apartment together, a space quickly filled with love, laughter, and a healthy amount of cat fur. Alex stepped into the role of cat dad to Erica’s very opinionated and beloved kitty, Polly Preston. The three of them settled into a rhythm of cozy nights and shared routines. Their little family grew again when they adopted Groot, a sweet and energetic dog whose big heart brought even more chaos into their home. With Polly watching from the window and Groot always nearby hoping for a treat or walk, Erica and Alex kept building a life together in Arlington. Eventually, Alex decided it was time. Surrounded by everything they had built, he bought the ring and planned the perfect proposal in Washington DC. He mapped out every detail, only to arrive and find a choir of 100 children already gathered at his chosen spot, singing songs about Abraham Lincoln. He found another location to drop down on one knee, only for a group of nearby high schoolers riding Lime scooters to nearly knock him, her, and the ring into the reflecting pool. Amid the chaos, with laughter, surprise, and a bit of panic swirling around them, Alex still managed to ask the question that mattered most. And without hesitation, Erica said yes. That imperfect moment, full of joyful noise and unexpected twists, captured their journey perfectly. A little messy and a little surprising. Now, they are beyond excited to bring everyone back to the place where they almost met so many times. After years of missed connections and perfect timing, they are ready to celebrate their love in the place that shaped so much of who they are, with all the people who helped shape it too.