Wade and I first met in September of 2016. Wade’s friend, Bobby was throwing a birthday soiree at Union and Finch (a bar that soon became a favorite of ours). I met Bobby years prior through my girlfriend Yuri, and Wade had known Bobby for quite a few years. While at the bar, I did not notice Wade, although he swears, we shared words, I remember meeting him at the bar we moved onto, Greg’s Saloon. It was there, that Bobby made it known that “My boy Wade likes Latinas!” that we ended up chatting. Wade happened to be playing pool, so I asked, “Hey, are you playing with friends?” and he said “No, just playing,” so I followed up with “Who’s winning?” and he responded, “I don’t know.” Confused at his response, told him “Well okay, good luck.” While walking away, Wade asked, “Do you want a drink?” and I responded, “Well aren’t you playing?” and he quipped “Who cares?” It was then I should have known how much of a go with the flow guy, my future husband was. First Date After ending up being the last few people at the bar, I gave Wade my number and we had our first date a week later. At first, we planned on dinner, but his parents were in town, and they ended up grabbing food, so we opted for drinks at a wine bar. We hit it off so well, the place had to practically kick us out. On that date we figured out we both had a love for food, drinks, and music; and that following summer was full of exactly that! It was also that same summer Wade professed his love. I of course, said it back but I also asked him, “What took you so long?” When Two became Four Fast forward to the night I met Cielo and Torin, and oh what babies they were at the time! They are a huge part of Wade’s life, and I was a nervous wreck to meet them, but I proposed they join me at the Light the Night Walk. Many know this had a significant impact on my life as my family walked multiple times in the past for my dad, Louie who had suffered from A-Plastic Anemia. This night was supposed to be an easy introduction to the kids without the awkwardness of “This is Samantha, my girlfriend,” as the kids were entertained with my girlfriend’s little ones and all the event activities. It honestly could not have gone any better and I was so thrilled Wade shared this part of his life with me. Two years of sleepovers and weekend stays later, I moved in and that’s when I became a step momma. The Proposal Wade proposed Mother’s Day 2022. I was honestly surprised he chose this day to propose, but it wasn’t his original plan. Backing up to November of 2021, Wade and I visited the jeweler to look at engagement rings. I was so excited as the ring was planned to be everything I wanted, but the only problem was the diamond cut. Unfortunately, the ring did not arrive in time for our March vacation where he planned to propose, it instead, arrived two weeks later. Now jumping back to Mother’s Day 2022; we had made it a tradition to celebrate with both our moms at brunch, and Wade decided it was the perfect opportunity to propose. As I was getting ready, half dressed, hair in a top knot, half my makeup done, I turn around and Wade is down on one knee. My reaction was “What?! Don’t make me cry, I’m going to ruin my makeup!” and happily, said “Yes.” Brunch ended up being wonderful, especially because we were around family to celebrate....just like he planned.