We first met in grade school, where we were classmates before life eventually took us in different directions. After school, we lost touch and went on to live our own lives. Nearly ten years ago, our paths crossed again unexpectedly at a funeral. Tom made a genuine effort to keep the conversation going, but Val already had other plans for the day. They exchanged phone numbers, although Val was hesitant to reach out—after all, Tom had always been known as the kid who liked to goof off in school. A couple of weeks later, curiosity (and perhaps fate) got the best of her. Val decided to check in and see how Tom was doing in life. That simple message led to conversations, laughter, and something neither of them had anticipated. Just when I thought our story couldn't become any more beautiful, Tom surprised me during our trip to Italy in September 2025. While we were visiting Bellagio and standing above Lake Como, with the majestic mountains behind us, I thought we were about to take a photo. However, Tom had something different in mind, and it turned into a moment that would change our lives forever. As we stood above Lake Como, in one of the most romantic places in the world, he asked me to spend forever with him. Through happy tears and total shock, I said yes. From our unexpected reconnection years ago to that unforgettable "yes" in Bellagio, every chapter of our story feels like it was meant to be. Now, we can't wait to begin the next chapter together.