Jake and I began dating the summer of 2014, but our story began much earlier than that. Our first date actually happened when we were 9 and 10 years old. Jake’s older brother Jordan was dating my older sister Lorin at the time (They have been together ever since and are now happily married). They took us to a movie and McDonald’s. Jake likes to remind me of the fact that I wore a denim skirt and pink cowgirl boots to our date (a fashion icon even then). My biggest memory from that day was thinking, “wow he is cute”. This was just the start of my crush on Jake. When I moved to Alabama in 8th grade, I figured that was the end of my chances with Jake. Whenever my family went back to visit Texas, I’d be reminded of that little crush I had. But I never thought more of it than that until the summer after I graduated high school. When Jake reached out to me and told me he had the same feelings towards me, my heart was elated! I couldn’t believe that the person I’d been nursing a crush on for 9 years was interested in me! Although I was already planning on attending the University of Alabama, and Jake was starting his year at Blinn, we both felt that the distance would be worth it. And it definitely was! Over the next 4 years, we spent thousands of hours face timing, and countless miles on the road making it work. The distance was difficult, but I wouldn’t have traded it for a second of a regular relationship with anyone else. Even though Jake was working tirelessly on his football career, he always made me feel loved and cherished. During those 4 years, Jake taught me so many things about life and love, as well as how to be a better person. On my last day at the University of Alabama, Jake took me to the first spot I took him in Alabama. It was a hill in Birmingham that overlooked all of the city. He got down on one knee and spoke the words I always hoped to hear. It couldn’t have been a more perfect moment. Now we have moved to Willis, Texas to start our careers in education. Almost 5 years, 2 dogs, countless laughs, and many beautiful memories filled with love later, we’re on our way to being husband and wife. God has blessed us in so many ways, and I am forever grateful.