In the summer of 2018, Jack and Teresa met at a barbeque as they were starting graduate school together.

Jack was immediately starstruck and wanted nothing more than to know such a charming, beautiful, and interesting woman.

Teresa remembers him seeming sweet and nice, but was initially concerned that his pale features, stuttering, and heavy sweat meant that he had fallen victim to either heat stroke or Malaria.

After a year of struggling through graduate school on their own, the two English teachers kindled a friendship the following summer. Their summer of soccer games, dive bars, and cartwheels was like two kids becoming the best of friends (except for the beer they drank). The unfortunately timed hospitalization of Teresa left Jack without any texts back, thus thinking their friendship had run its course. When Jack heard from her a few days later, he was relieved to hear that not only was she safe and recovering, but she was also taking visitors!

Jack made sure to check on his friend as soon as he was able. He was thrilled to see her safe and sound, and couldn't help noticing how Teresa's face lit up when she saw him (little did he know she had made sure to take a sponge bath when she heard he was coming). Smiling back with a fluttering stomach, he felt what had been a wonderful friendship to be growing into something much deeper.

On doctor's orders, they spent the remainder of their summer eating as much ice cream as they could and having more personal conversations. Jack could always be counted on to pick Teresa up when she was feeling down and somehow each ice cream trip would last for hours on end.

As their chaotic summer came to a close, Jack finally pulled together the courage to ask Teresa on a real date. She could not have said "YES" fast enough! The date in question was a little nervous and awkward at first, but ended with Teresa asking Jack to come up onto the roof of her apartment to look at the stars. Under the stars and the moon, they shared their first kiss.

Over the last 4 years, Teresa and Jack's love has grown as vibrant as the wildflowers they love to pick together. They've learned to appreciate one another, cheer each other on, and care deeply for the other. They cannot wait to hold their partner's hand for the rest of their lives!