At Last

Avery and Josh first met at the Arvada West Homecoming football game. Another guy was trying to ask Avery to the dance and needed some help pulling it off. Josh was tasked with finding her in the stands, so he looked down the row and casually asked, “Is there anyone named Avery down there?” Avery leaned forward and said, “That’s me, but don’t tell him I’m here.” She had never seen Josh before, but from that moment on, he seemed to be everywhere, especially walking a mutual friend to biology class, which just so happened to be the class Avery also attended. Coincidence? Maybe. However, it continued to happen... Every day for months. Somewhere along the way, they started texting… and Snapchats turned into conversations, which eventually turned into plans. Their first date came on Valentine’s Day 2016, at the Howell's house. It was a double date with Josh’s parents, Shawn and Sheila (yes, really!) They watched 50 First Dates and had elk spaghetti. Well, everyone but Josh, who had just gotten his wisdom teeth out and was stuck with mashed potatoes and soft foods. It was sweet, awkward, and totally memorable. They dated for about six months before life took them in different directions. Four years passed. In September 2020, a drunken text reopened the door, this time leading to a breakfast date a few weeks later. That breakfast led to more dates, more laughter, and a second shot at something that had never really left their hearts. On October 8th, 2020, Josh officially asked Avery to be his girlfriend. By July 2021, they moved into their first apartment together. In October, they brought home their first dog, Remi. Then, in May 2023, they bought their first home. Just two months later, their second pup, Lilo, joined the family. Finally, on May 21, 2024, while on vacation with Avery’s family in Puerto Vallarta (and with Shawn and Sheila watching via FaceTime), Josh got down on one knee on the beach and asked Avery to spend forever with him. Now, they’re getting ready to say “I do” surrounded by the people who have loved and supported them through every chapter. From high school hallways to homeownership, dogs, and serendipitous moments in between, this is just the beginning.