The Taylors est. 2022

Dave and I met when I began working for the Town of Whitestown in 2019. We spent every single day together, and developed an extremely strong friendship. We eventually began dating, although none of our friends or family knew it at the time. As many of you know, my heart lied in Michigan and I had been trying to move back for quite some time. Dave supported me through the move, but unfortunately, life got in the way and we ended our relationship in December. Although we were no longer dating, we remained the best of friends. Through some tough life circumstances, I ended up returning to Indiana when I was 6 months pregnant. Dave didn't hesitate to stick right by my side through everything, and when Bentley was born, he stepped right in as the positive male role model that my tiny human needed and deserved. From the day Bentley came home from the hospital, he was here holding him before or after work almost daily. People constantly were asking why we weren't dating, but little did they know, we had before and just hadn't addressed it again since I'd moved back. Eventually, after being asked repeatedly for a few months by multiple people (you all know who you are!!), we finally ended up talking about a future together. My Aunt Ellen came into town to meet Bentley, and Dave tagged along to dinner as well. Afterwards, her and I were chatting about ALL of the things, and all of a sudden she abruptly said, "so what about Dave?" I ended up telling her the full story of Dave and I which led her to ask what my plan was when I started dating since Dave and Bentley were now so close. I remember laughing because the thought of dating was beyond humorous to me, but what was even funnier was the thought of Dave not being in our lives. Through that conversation, I realized that it was time to admit that I was still head over heels in love with this man and allow him to love Bentley and I the way he kept telling me we deserved.

It was mid-June 2019 when I was first introduced to Brianna as the newest employee in the Whitestown Planning Department. As she walked away, all I could say to myself was “wow.” Suddenly, I found myself visiting the planning department more often. I would walk in just to hear her say “good morning sunshine.” As time went on, Brianna and I started becoming friends and I was finding reasons to visit 3 to 4 times a day. One day I got a call from her after work, and she was freaking out. She was having electrical problems in her condo so of course, I told her I would be right over. After replacing 2 breakers in her electrical panel, I had no clue what was wrong with it. I left, and she called me later to say “it’s fixed!! Don’t know how but it’s fixed”! I had no idea how, but I did know that I found myself confident that I wanted to pursue this woman after that night. The next thing I know I’m dating this incredibly beautiful woman who has the most contagious personality I’ve ever seen. We weren’t saying anything about us dating, but seeing how it would work. It ended up working and growing way better and faster than we both ever thought it would. During this entire time, Brianna was selling her condo and buying a house in Michigan to teach again. After the move, we found ourselves in a difficult position. We were very new in dating each other and now were attempting to make it in a long-distance relationship. By the time Christmas came around, we both agreed to continue our relationship as good friends. With her new life, house, and career, we found ourselves communicating less frequently, but still here and there. A couple of months went by although it seemed like forever. Just as fast as we faded apart, Brianna and I reconnected again just as friends. We moved her back to Indiana by the end of June 2020 after finding out that she was unexpectedly 5 months pregnant. With everything that had happened during her time in Michigan, she had closed herself off creating walls around her. It was really awesome getting doctor updates, and I was grateful she allowed me to be a part of that with her, because unbeknownst to her, I never stopped having feelings for her. Moving ahead, I was doing everything i could to help Brianna get everything ready for Bentley’s arrival. What’s crazy to me as I look back is that I found myself getting excited and anxious to meet him. Roughly 10 - 15 minutes after he was born, I received the first picture of him. He was so beautiful -just like Brianna! Next thing I know I’m over hanging out with Brianna and Bentley every single day before and after work. In fact, she trusted me enough to let me hang out with Bentley while she would get some sleep. Early morning and late evening visits turned into my sleeping on the couch with max & Lucy and her saying, “don’t tell a soul!” As long as I was able to be with Bentley & Brianna, my mouth was shut! Before we realized it the days turned into weeks which became months. It was a blessing Brianna allowed me in. She was worried I would get tired of coming over, and I worried I was going to overstay my welcome. It was like we were creating a family that neither one of us realized was happening. Soon people started to see us together commenting. “So why aren’t you and Dave dating?” “You know you guys make a cute couple.” I got to the point where it finally came out, “Brianna, I’m in love with you, and honestly, it has never gone away.” Of course, with the walls Brianna had put up, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. I knew once I could get through to her, showing the love and loyalty she would have, it would be amazing - and I was right. Brianna is an amazing person, and I am truly blessed and honored she is allowing me to be her husband. I cannot wait to build a life and family with you Brianna. I truly do love you!