so this is love

In the heart of autumn 2021, when the leaves turned golden and the air carried a crisp hint of change, Michael walked into Ronald C. Dunlap Elementary School. As a student teacher at the time, he was enthusiastic, filled with dreams of making a difference in the lives of young students. The school, home of the Lincoln Lions, embraced him warmly, and he quickly became a part of their educational family. The spring of 2022 brought a significant shift for Michael. He was hired as a full-time teacher at Dunlap Elementary, and the excitement of settling into his new role filled his days with joy and purpose. But little did he know that the winds of fate were about to blow in a new direction, changing the course of his life forever. September of 2022 ushered in a new chapter for the Lincoln Lions with the arrival of Jacqueline, a vibrant 6th-grade teacher. Her entrance into the school brought a fresh energy and a unique flair to the classroom. Jacqueline, with her keen eye and warm demeanor, noticed Michael amidst the bustling faculty. His genuine smile and engaging way with the students caught her attention. Jacqueline, always one to seize the moment, saw an opportunity to connect. She approached Michael with an idea that was as charming as it was clever: “What if your 1st graders and my 6th graders became buddies? It could be a fun way for them to learn from each other.” Michael, intrigued and flattered, eagerly agreed. The prospect of combining their classes was exciting, and it was the start of something special. As they worked together to create a memorable experience for their students, Michael and Jacqueline found themselves spending more time together. The classroom collaboration was filled with laughter, shared stories, and moments of camaraderie. Their conversations often meandered beyond the walls of the school. They joked about their favorite football teams, and that sparked even more lively debates and playful banter. The days turned into weeks, and the connection between Michael and Jacqueline deepened. Their initial interactions blossomed into evenings spent getting to know each other better over a couple of drinks with friends. Each encounter was a blend of heartfelt conversation and joyful laughter, and it became clear that what started as a professional collaboration was evolving into something more profound. One crisp March evening, Michael decided it was time to take a leap of faith. With a grin, he turned to Jacqueline and asked, “What do I have to do to get you to go out with me?” The following weekend, Michael's answer to that question was a charming dinner at Olive Garden. It turned out that Olive Garden was not only a favorite of hers, but also had an extra touch of magic- Patrick Mahomes and his wife had shared their first date there too. Their love story, born from a shared passion for teaching and banter, grew stronger with each passing day. As the seasons changed, their commitment to each other solidified, and it became clear that they were meant to be more than just colleagues or friends. From the first day Michael walked into Ronald C. Dunlap Elementary to the moment Jacqueline suggested their students be buddies, their love story has been a testament to the magic of serendipity and the power of connection. In the presence of their closest family and friends, Michael and Jacqueline will exchange vows, promising to support, cherish, and love each other through every season of life. As they begin this new chapter together, they do so with hearts full of hope, joy, and the knowledge that their love story is only just beginning.