Our paths first officially crossed in a physical education class during our second year at West Point. Codi walked up to Connor, knowing he was on the rugby team, to help get through that awkward first day of class. We walked to that class everyday together for the rest of the semester. 

We became close friends through the shared experience of West Point and Army Rugby over the next few years. We took many a pictures at school events and shared many a drink at our rugby pub with no idea that we would someday be in a relationship, let alone married. 

This period of friendship brought with it some awkward timing of feelings and advances. After six too many drinks at the Pub one night, Codi drove Connor (and some other inebriated brothers) home as he held her hand and asked her to come hang out in his room, to which Codi (rightfully and thankfully) declined. She was confused. Codi also shared feelings for Connor, but they never seemed to align with Connor’s. 

That next summer, Connor texted Codi to hang out as he came to terms with his feelings for her. Certainly the next move was Codi’s to make, Connor thought. Codi never thought he was going to follow through. Connor was surprised and admittedly disappointed when Codi showed up to summer training in August with a new boyfriend. Opportunity missed again. 

We both went on with our lives and remained good friends through the first few months of senior year. Connor found himself now further enamored with that which we could not have, which he rectified with a campaign of tasteful yet respectful flirting. Codi wondered what might have been. 

One night soon after, Connor found out Codi was no longer seeing anyone, to which he replied, “Aw I’m so sorry that sucks,” typing this while smiling ear to ear. 

We continued to be friends as we always had: there for each other when school or friends or rugby weighed the other down. We spent days at Anderson Rugby Complex and kicked the ball around before practice like normal. Sunday night House of the Dragon viewings became routine. One night after a particularly lustful episode of our traditional Sunday night viewing, the long-brewing emotions from a winding broken road spilled over and we shared our first kiss. 

The next day, Codi asked Connor what the hell we were doing. Codi was terrified of losing her friend. Connor reassured her that everything was fine, we should let things work out how they will. Some weeks later Connor told Codi he’d like to take her home and introduce her as his girlfriend, but not before warning her that he is not a relationship person and to not be surprised if it didn’t last more than a few weeks. Codi knew for sure he’d be gone in a couple weeks. Still, they agreed to be friends no matter what.

Codi was never so happy to be wrong. The first few months of dating were perfect and we slowly became comfortable and happy with each other. We met families and spent holidays together and really loved life. Our first big obstacle was graduation and how we were going to proceed in our separate endeavors. We obviously decided to stay together and spent some incredible time in the summer together in Ireland, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. 

Because of Connor’s torn ACL, Codi left for flight school in July as Connor stayed behind to heal until he could join her in the south in February. The next 8 months, while special for both of us, presented their fair share of challenges, working through long distance, career decisions, and long term relationship plans. 

Through these challenges came growth and the realization that we were exactly what we wanted for each other and came to see the true happiness we brought each other. We make each other better, and that’s all we could ask. 

When he was finally ready, Connor had the long awaited conversation with Codi’s father, who graciously gave his blessing seeing the happiness his daughter had with him. With a searing 103 degree fever, Connor proposed on March 29th on weekend trip to Florida, and we wasted no time getting the paperwork done for the Army’s sake, officially being married on April 13th. (Surprise!)

We consider our true marriage to be when we come together with friends and family to celebrate with those that matter most to us, and we can’t wait for that day and all the days we have together ahead of us.