Nothing ever felt "new" between Nikki and I. Of course, we had a lot of firsts, such as Nikki's first Korean BBQ or my first-time glazing pottery at the Mobile Museum of Art. Everything came with ease. I knew very early on that I wanted to marry Nikki. I knew within that month I am not the best version of myself without her. I specifically knew it during our first trip together, Atlanta.

Nikki fully planned a weekend getaway to see penguins at the Atlanta aquarium. This came from a failed trip earlier that year; I wanted to go to the aquarium in New Orleans for my birthday, but it was closed. The week after our day trip to New Orleans, Nikki, started planning our next trip to Atlanta. This trip included taking me to visit Cheaha State Park for the first time and eating Korean BBQ once again! The trip was fully planned out without a detail to spare! I was so nervous. I have never had anyone plan such an adventure with each event designed to make me feel special. I had a new batch of butterflies fluttering within me. Without hesitation, I slipped into talking about marriage with Nikki as we were heading to get Cuban food on our last day in Atlanta. I spoke about marriage almost daily from there on. She has truly added color to my life since the day we met.

I happily took Nikki back to Atlanta in November 2023 to propose to her by the whale sharks. She took me to see my favorite animal, penguins, and I decided it was only right to take her to see hers, the whale sharks.

A&N