February 6, 2020 After days of flirting over Hinge and wondering just HOW tall 6'9" actually is, Reid and I met for our first date at TGI Fridays. The two of us discussed our very important Star Wars opinions (The Last Jedi is the best movie and porgs are actually good), tried to figure out how we hadn't seen each other on FGCU's campus all four years I had attended, I had the messiest burger humanly possible (it even had a runny egg), and debated if it was better to dip your fries or smother them in condiments. Spoiler: we're still in heated discussion over this. However, it was shortly after dinner when I had the earliest feeling of knowing that he was "The One." I went to my car to drop off my leftovers when a baby racoon stumbled out of the bushes. I was in love. Reid had been waiting at a distance, but soon wandered over as he caught me staring. The instant he saw the little guy he was just as swept up as me. We oohed and aahed, and were happily making an embarrassing amount of baby noises at it for a full three minutes. Our guards down, and we knew it would only get better from there. Long story short, we've spent almost every day together since. From his first ever arepa to taking care of our three girls--Crystal, Fig, and Brie--there is no one else I'd rather have by my side. March 28th, 2020 So after our first date, we spent the next few weeks going on several dates. It was at the Lee County Fair where Suzy and I got to wander around as a couple. I spent the night being cat-called and harassed by carnies to "play a game to win her a prize," but we just wanted to eat. After spending some time together I asked her to officially be my girlfriend. Since then, I have only fallen more in love with her. November 2021 After living with Suzy for a few months I decided I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. I went out shopping for a ring with my mother. We found the one and all that was left was waiting for the right moment. December 2021 Once the ring was secured, I called Ashley, Suzy's sister, to tell her I was going to their parents home to ask their father for Suzy's hand in marriage. My heart was racing the entire drive down. I arrived at their home and the first thing they asked was, "Where's Sue?" I went on about how much I loved their daughter and how I wished to propose to her. From then on it was us deciding when the best time would be... I decided then to "pop the question" on Christmas Eve when her family would be all together. After that was decided, the long wait began. Part of me wanted to do it as soon as I got home, but I knew that it felt right waiting. After the long drive over to Broward, the ring burning a hole in my pocket, it was time. When it hit midnight we both got in front of her grandfather's nacimiento for pictures. I knelt down and asked her to be my wife. Suzy is my best friend and partner in crime. There is no one I'd rather spend the rest of my days with.