How we met: Mallory's Version

TJ and I have known one another for quite some time. We were first acquainted in 1996 by Kris Cormier. Kris is my cousin and he is also TJ's best friend from childhood. Kris and I were around the same age and we had a really close relationship, which is why I would be around TJ so often. At this time, I'm sure they only looked at me as than the annoying, tattle telling, and younger cousin.

In 1992-93, my family and I moved to Lurose Dr. and shortly after, TJ moved right around the corner; and then Kris joined us, and moved right down the street with his family. I would visit my aunt and uncles' house and Kris and TJ would always be making music, playing basketball or just doing "boy" things (which was annoying to me). TJ and I looked at one another as nothing more than friends.. That is until Kris decided to play cupid (I think TJ put Kris up to this, but he would never admit to it, lol). After Kris' attempt at being cupid, TJ started to talk to me a little more. We were both in middle school band, so we would see even more of one another at school and out of school. TJ would sometimes walk me home from school, but he never did express too much interest. After a few walks and a little maturity, TJ began to show more interest. We were in high school; I was in 9th grade and he was in 10th. It was Valentine's Day and he brought me a teddy bear and a box of chocolates. By the way, I STILL HAVE THE TEDDY BEAR! From that point TJ and I would talk more often, but again we were young, so it didn't really last long. Later in my 9th grade year of high school, TJ moved to Houston. He would check on me from time to time while living there and call when he would visit Crowley, but eventually we grew apart and went our separate ways. I moved to Baton Rouge, LA to attend Southern University and upon graduating, I moved to Atlanta, GA. After leaving Atlanta, I decided to make Beaumont, TX, which is where TJ and I reconnected again.

How we reconnected:

In 2012, QJ (my cousin and another one of TJ's friends), decided that he would play cupid this time. I was hesitant, so it did NOT go off without a hitch. When TJ would message me, I would always keep it pretty short. One evening, I thought about him, so I reached out to him. We messaged a few times back and forth on Facebook and then we exchanged numbers. After a few weeks of texting and a few conversations of "getting to know you again", we decided that we should go on a date. TJ came visit me in Beaumont and after the first trip, the rest was history. What we wanted at that point in our lives was very clear, so we acted on that impulse. I was focused on my faith, my career, and finishing grad school. TJ was focused on a fresh start and his faith. As much as I tried to resist falling, it was impossible because we connected in so many different ways, but mainly we connected because of the history we shared. TJ would always say that he lost contact with me once and he would never lose me again. Early in our relationship, we faced a big obstacle, and TJ kept his promise that we would not go separate ways again. I knew he was my keeper when I decided that it was time for another career move and pitched him the idea of moving to the Dallas/FW area. He was very supportive of the move, but I wasn't sure what this would do to our relationship. I will not say it was all peaches and cream when I moved, but we put our trust in God and let him work it out.

I am so happy that we allowed everything to flow, because everything worked out! We have accomplished so much; individually and together as a couple. Our connection has become so much deeper, our faith so much stronger, and our love has blossomed into something that I could have never imagined.TJ is the most selfless, caring, and loyal person that I know… I believe with all my heart that he was made just for me, which is why I am taking this vow to love him without conditions, forever. I can't wait until we say I do and start the next chapter of our life.

TJ's Version

When it comes to me and Mallory there is a lot of history... History that still amazes me to this day. We first met in the late 90's by her cousin Kris (My best friend). At that time me and Kris was into music and Mallory would come to Kris' house from time to time (I think she was just coming by to be nosy, lol). We would pick with her and of course it would get on her nerves, but I think she liked it. One day Kris was like "You know who would make a good couple?" and I responded "Who?" He said "You and Mallory." I laughed because I always thought she was a BEAUTIFUL girl, but I was the shy type to approach her. So I told Kris "No", but deep down inside I was telling myself "Boy You Tripping." If you know Kris, you know that he tried to hook us up anyway. Mallory was peeping me a little (which she won't admit, but I know.) We began talking on the phone. It was something about her I liked but at that time I couldn't put my finger on it. Valentine's Day my sophomore year in high school I decided to take our friendship another step further and brought her candy and a teddy bear. Still nervous we became a little closer, until I moved to Houston,Tx. Moving to Houston was big for me, but sad because I felt like I was losing someone I was crushing hard on. Throughout the years in Houston we would check on each other periodically or Kris would call her when I visited. Eventually we went our separate ways to chase our dreams.

The interesting part about our story is that 7+ years later, I was still asking about her. One day, my friend QJ (Mallory's cousin) said, "Somebody asked about you"... and I'm Like "Who?" (with a smirk on my face). He said "Mallory" and I instantly laughed. In that moment I realized what it was that I couldn't put my finger on previously; She was special to me and she was one of a kind. I also knew at that moment, it was be meant for us to connect the way that we did. This was our second chance so we became a couple shortly after. Things got even better when I found out that the same bear I brought her back in the 10th grade was sitting center of her bed at her Parents home. That was HUGE for me. Soon after we began dating, we came to another situation; Due to her profession, Mallory received a job offer in Fort Worth, Tx which would have us part ways again. She moved first to get everything situated while I looked for a job. Then with no regrets (cause I felt like this is not by mistake) I decided to pack EVERYTHING and follow my, EVERYTHING. Moving to a fresh start was by far the best decision I've made in my life. Mallory is that woman that people would say doesn't exist. They say when you find someone or something so rare... you hold on to it, you protect it and guard it with your life; And that's why we're here….

Everything girly just about sums it up for me! Shopping for shoes, clothes, purses and even home goods is all I'd rather do all day.

I was born in Gueydan, LA, on June 15th. 1986. I have lived in Crowley since the age of 5. I graduated from Southern University and A&M College with a B.S. in Marketing. I then attended Ashford University where I graduated with an M.B.A with a Healthcare Administration concentration. I am currently an Accounting Analyst.

I am just a country town girl with dreams of creating a purposeful life.