For James, it was love at first sight when he first saw Kristina on the basketball courts at the Dewing Elementary School during recess in the second grade but was very shy at the time and didn’t speak a single word to her. It wasn’t until middle school that he finally had enough courage to start talking with Kristina and they became fast friends.

As time passed, they embarked on their own journeys of learning life lessons and growing as people. Throughout all this time they remained friends. As other friendships came and went, Kristina and James knew that their friendship was special and made the active choice to stay in one another’s lives, whether it be by being a listening ear, sharing an encouraging word, showing support and providing a shoulder when needed, or simply spending time laughing, talking, and showing mutual respect and admiration for the other and the friendship that they had.

In the summer of 2025 while Kristina was training for her physical fitness test. James was in the process of selling his house and moving up to New Hampshire. At the most unlikely (and possibly inconvenient) time imaginable, the stars aligned. Kristina texted and asked if he wanted to come over and go for a walk. James never worked from home, but because of work being done at his house (chance, if chance you call it), that particular day he was not in the office so he stopped working a little early and joined her for a walk- where he was quickly reminded of her exceptional aerobic capacity and ability to talk, both up and downhill, even with a weighted vest.

From that day on, something felt different, though neither of them wanted to risk their years of friendship by expressing these feelings. Life had led them down some windy roads over the years, but it was these times and experiences they had, both together and apart, that built them into the people they are- not perfect, but perfect for each other.

Realizing they both felt the same way, the transition from friends to more was the easiest and most natural thing in the world. Kristina and James continued to spend as much time as possible together- talking, laughing, and having more fun just because the other was right there.

Kristina often smiles and tells James, “every day with you is the new best day.” Little did she know, he had been waiting for these “best days” since the second grade and the bond they share has proven to him that they are even more wonderful than he could have ever imagined.James loved to read about fairy tales and stories of hope and love, wondering if they were just made-up concepts or tales passed through time. With Kristina, however, he knew that he had finally found his own true real-life fairytale.

In January of 2026, they went on a cruise where James made his “true love vow” to Kristina during a karaoke duet of “Summer Nights” and he proposed. They are both so excited about the journey ahead- to spend the rest of their lives together, as best friends, as teammates, and as husband and wife.