James and I met in graduate school in July 2015. We both worked as research fellows at the Army Research Institute and instantly clicked as friends. Despite what our friends might have thought, it wasn’t love at first sight—it was friendship, and we were inseparable from day one. Whether we were studying, playing basketball, or just hanging out, we spent nearly every day together. The connection between us was so natural, and everyone around us could see it.

Eventually, friendship turned into something more, and our love grew from there. We adopted our little chihuahua, Pepe, who completely stole our hearts and taught us how to love in a whole new way. After four amazing years together, we mutually decided to part ways, just before Covid hit. Life took us in different directions—James stayed in D.C., and I moved back home to Austin—but through it all, we stayed close friends.

In 2022, something shifted. We reconnected at a close friend’s wedding, and I knew in my heart that James was still the one. I went to that wedding knowing I was going to tell him I loved him and that he was my person. I asked him to move back to Austin with me, not knowing how he’d react, but here we are—two years later, engaged and ready to spend the rest of our lives together! James planned the most beautiful proposal, and I couldn’t be more excited to marry my soulmate and the best person I know.