Meagan and I were aware of each others existence even before we started talking. She used to keep to herself and was quite/reserved. Although we were both in the Air Force, we never had the chance to work together since she was deployed when I arrived where she worked. After a year and some months, we finally got to work together, and

that is when I noticed her more. She was always reading books when she was not doing work, and I became interested in what books she was reading and what she was into.

I began dropping hints indirectly to see if she would catch on, but I was too shy to initiate the first move to talk. So, I crossed my fingers and hoped she would accept my

friend request on Facebook. She did after a couple of days, which made me nervous. I was unsure why it took so long, but I was incredibly happy she accepted my request. I

used silly dad jokes to break the ice with her. It was the best I could produce, but luckily, she replied, and we started chatting. I was still a bit shy and hesitant to talk to her at work. In fact, I have not talked to anyone like that in almost two years, as I was busy getting my life back on track after leaving the military.

I finally mustered the courage to ask her out, and she said yes. Even before our first date, I asked her if she would like to go to a Jokoy stand-up comedy show with me months later but I didn't want to wait that long for our first date so I ask her on a sooner date so for our first date, I planned a fun-filled day of mini-golf, bowling, and arcade games. We ended the night with dinner, but unfortunately, because of my nervousness I left my card at the restaurant.

*

Falling in love with Meagan was easy. Her smile, her eyes that catch me off guard, her beauty that shines even on the darkest of days, her warmth, and her big heart - all

of this and more captured my heart in so many ways that I cannot believe it was happening to me. She has made me a better, stronger, and smarter person. I would give her

the world and more. She helped me heal and recover by providing me with nourishment and support. Despite my flaws and imperfections, she never judged me

and loves me unconditionally. What more could a man ask for in a woman he is about to marry?

It was early on in our relationship, I remember waking up feeling utterly miserable, my head throbbing and my stomach cramping. I resigned myself to a day of misery, then there was a knock on my door, and there he stood. Without asking he came by with breakfast, cold medicine and some groceries to make soup. He helped me get comfy on the couch and then he then set to work, bustling around my kitchen with a sense of purpose that melted my heart. As the aroma of homemade soup filled the air, I couldn't help but marvel at the depth of his kindness and generosity. Here was a man who had only just entered my life, yet he was already going above and beyond to take care of me in my time of need.

*

Rudy is unwavering in support, kindness, and understanding that makes me feel cherished and valued every day. He brings a sense of comfort and joy unlike anything I've ever known.