W&E

Some love stories are loud. Ours was quiet at first: familiar, easy, and somehow always meant to be. We pretty much always knew of each other. Grew up in the same town, walked the same high school halls, and had a mutual respect from a distance. We just never imagined we would end up here.In 2016, Quan started showing a little interest just enough to make me smile. A few heart-eyes, a "Hey, how you been?" here and there on social media. Nothing too serious, just him sliding in the DM with a little extra attention. But in 2017, he made it known. He messaged me on Facebook, and it always started the same way: "Hey Wifey, Wife, my Wife" I would laugh every time. Like, Sir, what?! How did he know something I hadn't even considered yet? Turns out.... he really did know. At the time, I was in college, focused on finishing strong and preparing for a huge life change, joining the Navy. We kept in touch here and there, just friendly check-ins. But the summer before I left, a simple phone call turned into so much more. What started off as a casual link-up became the soft beginning of something real. We would go on late-night motorcycle rides, just vibing through the city with no destination. We'd stay on the phone for hours-laughing, talking about life, or sometimes just listening to music together while I studied for my NCLEX and he drove 18-wheelers through the night. I was focused on the next chapter of my life, and he was steadily, gently becoming a part of it. That summer we didn't just spend time together, we built a foundation. We grew closer. We learned each other. And even then, with the world changing around us, we felt peace. When I left for Navy training, I didn't know what would happen next. But that see you in October baby? That was the first step into forever. From there, everything aligned in God's timing. We relocated together- first California, then Florida. Life came at us fast, but our love was steady. Then came the biggest blessing of all: the birth of our beautiful baby boy, Essiah, our heart outside of our bodies. In 2023, Quan got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife officially. Not just in his messages this time, but in front of a host of family and friends. And after deployment, we started planning this moment -our wedding, our forever. I used to laugh when he would call me his wife in the DMs. But now I smile because he knew all along. This is not just our love story. It is proof that when it is God's timing, everything falls into place. What started as late-night calls, inside jokes, and motorcycle rides became a love that has grown with us, strengthened us, and wrapped us in peace. This is the beginning of..... Us. Forever. And everything that comes next.