The story of Valerie and Kingsley began in an elevator. Yes, the couple met in a metal box—perhaps not the most romantic location imaginable. But it was there that their paths first crossed, changing the course of their futures forever. In truth, they had likely met many times over the four years they had lived in the same complex. Yet it wasn’t until those dreadful Covid days that Valerie finally noticed Kingsley. Well… until her son noticed him. Valerie was standing in the elevator with her two sons, likely lost in social media, when her older son, Justin, suddenly asked, “How tall are you?”. Valerie jerked her head up, and her eyes instantly found Kingsley, who was—to her son’s credit—very tall. She started to explain Justin's passion for basketball and his dream to be at least 6’2. Kingsley only turned to her son and said, “You know how to be a good basketball player? You be good to your mom.” Valerie had smiled—what a sweet thing to say. In that second, she knew Kingsley was more than he seemed. But little else happened between them for a while. The mundanities of life took over. One Sunday afternoon, Valerie found herself doing laundry, as she often did. She crossed Kingsley as she was leaving the elevator—oh yes, the very same elevator—and he asked Valerie for her name. After exchanging numbers, they began chatting almost immediately. The elevator had once again drawn them together, and from that moment on, they stayed together. In fact, they had their first date that same afternoon! It may have been spontaneous, but sometimes that’s the way things are meant to be. Kingsley took her to the classiest place around—Dirty Taco and Tequila. Valerie was in awe of him. He was confident as no man she had ever met, asking permission to kiss her at the dinner table on the very first date. It was the best thing he could have done. There was no such thing as moving quickly when everything felt right. After that day, Valerie and Kingsley became best friends. Every morning, Kingsley would trek all the way to Valerie's, which was only a few doors down, a coffee in hand and a smile on his face. They’d speak from morning til night, learning more about each other with each conversation. He showered Valerie’s boys with love and treated them as if they were his own. There was no doubt now that Valerie had found someone truly special. Together, they explored the world. There was nothing that wasn’t worth experiencing with the other by their side. They partied, dined, and travelled—their lives becoming more interwoven with each new experience they shared. In July 2022, they moved into their first place together, leaving the fated elevator behind. Then, in March 2023, Kingsley asked Valerie to be his wife. She, of course, said yes.