It all started with two kids from Oakland, CA, walking the halls of Montera Middle School. It was 7th grade, and Yolanda was the quiet, shy, straight-A tomboy, while Carlos was the popular, too-cool-for-school kid with slicked-back hair—the one all the girls secretly drooled over. From time to time, they’d pass each other in the hallway and exchange a smile. Yolanda secretly had a crush on him, and little did she know, Carlos had a little crush on her too, but they were both too nervous-okay, let’s be real, too chicken to say anything. So smiles and small talk were as far as it ever went. Eventually, they went to different high schools and lost touch, until one day Carlos suddenly showed up at Yolanda’s school for a semester. He burst into her science class, making a grand entrance after years apart showing out. Butterflies swarmed her stomach. But just as quickly as he appeared, he was gone again, off to play baseball at a private school. Life went on. They lost touch once again. They went on to graduate high school, explored their passions, built careers, and even raised little families of their own. Then, roughly 20 years later, fate stepped back in. They ran into each other at a local festival on a hot summer day where Yolanda’s 3 baby girls were performing. That tired hot and sweaty dance mom was approached by Carlos from behind. They talked, exchanged numbers, and spent the next four months catching up on the phone like no time had passed. Eventually, Carlos invited Yolanda to a company outing and by some magical coincidence, no one else showed up. Just the two of them, nervous as heck, but quickly realizing there was something very special between them. They talked, laughed, and danced the night away! That was the night both of them knew deep down to their core, words unspoken, what they felt was different and something very special. Yolanda realized she didn’t want to be a casual “hi and bye” friend. She wanted to be a real friend in his life—present, supportive, and genuine. She wrestled with telling him how she felt about their friendship, ignored the people telling her not to say anything, and listened to her heart instead. From that moment on, they didn’t go a single day without talking. Soon, they were finding time every day to see each other, sacrificing sooo much sleep and even work (oops) just to stay up for those long, meaningful conversations. Their friendship began to grow into something beautiful and they cherished every minute they had together. Carlos eventually confessed his growing feelings and Yolanda, a little slower but just as smitten, finally did too. A few months later, Carlos asked her to make it official and Yolanda, in peak dramatic fashion, said it wasn’t the right time. But one month later, she realized just how important he was to her and on their first trip to Monterey together for his birthday celebration, she gifted him a personalized keepsake box with the date on it and inside was a corny note that asked: “Will you be my boyfriend? Check yes or no.” One year later, surrounded by family, Carlos asked Yolanda to spend the rest of her life with him. She said yes of course! And now, 20 months later, they’re getting married! Ready to officially begin forever with their best friend and soulmate!