Everyone knows that Pat and I are close cousins. We would get together every other weekend to hang out, grill, have a few drinks, and catch up whenever we could. However, on November 30, 2021, I started a new job at Diamond Offshore, which made my schedule busy and often kept me away from home. As a result, Pat and I didn’t see each other as often, and sometimes months would pass without us meeting. When I came home on April 26, 2022, we planned to hang out, especially since my job was sending me to training in Lafayette on May 9, 2022. At that time, Pat was dating Shanelle, who is now his wife, and the goal was to enjoy some time together. I finally met Pats girlfriend for the first time, and she introduced me to her cousin, Chandra. I was a bit speechless because she was so beautiful. We had a lovely evening filled with dinner, drinks, and fun. During the night, Pat suggested we play a game of spades, guys against the ladies. While we were playing, Chandra touched my arm, and I instantly lost myself in her eyes. I felt an urge to get to know her better. As the night came to an end, Chandra said she was about to head home, and while Nell offered to walk her out, I interjected and said I would do it instead. As I walked her to her car, I asked if she was seeing anyone, to which she replied no. We exchanged contact information before saying our goodbyes. The next day, we talked the entire day and discovered so much about each other. Although I lived in Hattiesburg, MS, and Chandra lived in Zachary, LA, I was determined to show her that I was serious about getting to know her better. On June 24, 2022, we went on our first date at Bin 77. I was nervous and didnt want to say anything wrong or make her uncomfortable. Overall, it was a fantastic date—10/10—and we wanted to do it again. The following day, June 25, 2022, we had another date night at Flemings Steakhouse, and we couldn’t get enough of each other. As time went on, we enjoyed each others company and embraced the wonderful feeling of being together. On December 21, 2022, we talked and decided to officially be in a relationship. We promised to fight to stay together and do whatever it took to make it work, despite the distance. We also vowed never to walk away from the bond we had created. In May 2024, we decided to build a house in Zachary, LA, so I could be closer to the love of my life. During the construction, I purchased an engagement ring and planned to ask Chandra to marry me at the closing of our new home. Of course she said YES! Now, we are preparing to walk down the aisle and say I DO on June 29, 2025.