It all began on February 28, 2024, when our friend Sophia asked a question that would change everything. She asked if I might want to text her friend Mac — “He’s kind, a little nerdy, and a wonderful father.” I said yes, not knowing I was about to meet the person who would become my home.

What followed were two weeks of long, thoughtful messages, late-night “goodnight” audio clips, and phone calls that stretched far past bedtime. The very first time I heard his voice — deep, warm, and gentle — I melted. I was smitten.

Our first date was on March 14, 2024, at a cozy coffee shop in Loveland. The moment Mac sat beside me, something in me settled. I curled into him without thinking, and he later admitted he hadn’t expected that kind of instant comfort. We talked and laughed like old friends, held hands, and couldn’t stop smiling. When he walked me to my car, he tugged my hand softly, turned me toward him, and asked, “Can I kiss you?” And just like that, our love story began.

The year that followed was full of adventure—concerts, a sun-soaked trip to Santa Cruz, a cruise to the Bahamas, and countless moments with Brantley becoming a family. We met each other’s friends, then each other’s families. Mac had the privilege to get to know my dad, and he was beside me on my dad’s final day — a gift I will carry with me forever.

On July 26, 2025, we moved in under one roof. The very next morning, Mac proposed in the most nerdy, romantic way possible—with Magic: The Gathering cards, a giggly child, and a boyfriend who was absolutely up to something. He asked me to grab an envelope of cards perched suspiciously on top of the hutch. The moment I saw my name on the first card, I turned—and there was Mac, kneeling behind me with a ring. I burst into tears. He gently asked if I’d read the cards, so through the blur I read them: the first telling me how amazing he thinks I am, the second asking me to marry him, the third revealing a wedding ring.  When I looked up, he asked again if I would marry him. I nodded my head ardently, and we held each other as Brantley bounced around us.

Every day since, we’ve kept building this quiet, joyful life full of laughter, nerdy conversations, sharing space even when we’re both in introvert-mode, and adventures with Brantley. We choose each other again and again, in the big moments and the small ones.

And on November 6, 2027, we’ll make it official and celebrate with our favorite people.