When I met Jared, something about me was instantly drawn to him. He was funny and easy to talk to, an instant friend. Little did I know what would transpire over time, and that he would become my best friend. Little by little, the conversations got longer and more in-depth. We realized how aligned our goals and dreams truly were. And one thing leads to another. Soon, I couldn’t imagine not spending my free time with Jared, whether it be hanging out on the back patio or off on some adventure.

Adventuring we did. One thing Jared has promised me is the world in more ways than one. One night, he sent me a song, "Ends of the Earth" by Lord Huron, and he promised to show me the world. Not only has he shown me the world, but he wakes up every day to give me the world, while also making me feel like his whole world. I never knew someone could give so much, so freely, and with so much heart.

Jared’s heart is something I will forever cherish. He is the man I always dreamed of but never fully believed existed. He loves me fiercely and cares for me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. But what truly sealed the deal for me was seeing how he loves Addie. The kindness, patience, and genuine joy he brings into her life showed me precisely the kind of partner and father he is. Watching the two of them together made me fall in love with him all over again.

And so here we are, building a life that feels both beautifully ordinary and extraordinary. A life filled with adventure and quiet moments, laughter on the back patio, dreams that keep expanding, and a love that keeps deepening. With Jared, I’ve found my partner, my best friend, and the person who feels like home in every season. I can’t wait for all that’s still ahead of us, for the memories we’ll make, the places we’ll go, and the family we’re continuing to grow together. This is just the beginning, and I’m so grateful it’s him.

I knew Ashley from work for a few years before we began dating. My life was tumultuous and complex, and she was the respite from the storm. I didn't know if I would ever connect with someone on such a meaningful level, but she makes it easy to love her every single day.

As Ashley said above, we were friends for a while before getting together. I cannot remember the exact moment I knew this was going to evolve into something more. It was a slow burn of group hangouts and similar interests before sparks started flying. Once we were in it, though, life has moved fast and furious, in a good way, of course.

Conversations came easily, and our chemistry was undeniable. Her magnetic personality and sunny disposition made me want to be around her all the time. When she chose me, she picked a partner for life. She loves me deeply and fiercely, and I am always trying to match her energy, and in turn, I love her like I have been searching for her my entire life.

Because I found her later in life, it feels like we have tried to cram a decade of memories into these couple of years. We have been on countless trips all over the United States and 10 countries while balancing grad school, jobs, househunting, pregnancy, and Addie. If I were to choose a partner, I would want them to share the same adventurous spirit I do, and Ashley did not disappoint.

One of the perks of being with Ashley was getting to know her daughter, Addie. I love her and her curious nature. I had no kids previously, but I bonded with her in the only way I could: by introducing her to Star Wars. While it was the entry point to our relationship, I have been able to share my childhood memories with her as our bond has grown beyond sci-fi movies. I love her witty sense of spirit and her competitive nature. I could not have crafted a more perfect child to adopt me as a parent.

I want to say that the three of us would live happily ever after, but that implies our story has been told. I think we are just getting started with our life together, and I am excited to see where the journey takes us.