Alix: I lived in the country for 2.5 years as part of an exchange program before I met James.

I met him just two weeks before I was set to go back to my country. TWO WEEKS!!!

(Our first date was on 12/03, and my flight was already booked for 12/21.)

James: As my luck would have it...

Alix: We spent six hours together on our first date, and it couldn't have gone any better. We talked, we laughed, we shared travel stories, and we just clicked instantly. Both of us felt that connection right away.

It wasn't exactly 'love at first sight', but more like a sense of familiarity, like: 'Oh hello, I've been waiting for you...'

Our second date happened just two days later. At that point, James didn't know that I was leaving, and I hesitated to tell him because I really wanted to keep spending time with him. So, I decided not to mention it. However, on that day, he asked when I was planning to return to Mexico, and my big mouth couldn't keep the secret.

James: FML

Alix: In short, we managed to fit in 10 dates in just 18 days. With my departure around the corner, there were still a few things I wanted to check off my list, so we made the most of our time with fun dates.

From going to an obstacle course to swimming with manatees, axe-throwing and ice skating at a Christmas event...

James: I wasn't thrilled about the ice skating

Alix: It was all fun and games until the time came for me to depart. Both of us were convinced that what we had (or could have) was worth trying. So, we made the decision to stay in touch.

I had only been back in Mexico for a week when James told me that he would come to visit. And just three weeks later, he was landing in Mexico City!!

We spent a year apart, during which he visited me three times, and we spoke on the phone every single night.

Eventually, I got a job in the States, which allowed me to return to the country. Unfortunately, the job was based in NYC, so we were still long-distance, but at least in the same country.

We visited each other back and forth during 6 months, until I was able to move to Tampa. And finally the miles between us turned into mere steps toward each other.

Before that happened, during one of my trips to Tampa, James took me to the spot where we shared our first kiss—Crystal Beach Park—all under the excuse of 'watching the sunset together.' (This location holds a special place in both of our hearts: James grew up in Crystal Beach, and I lived in the neighborhood for a year and a half before I met him.)

James: Oh snap, I did that? I'm a pretty smooth guy.

Alix: He was so nervous! He tried to wing it, and he says that it went terribly, but I think it was the sweetest thing ever. I was so excited that I can't even remember if I said yes. I just grabbed the ring and kissed him.