This was Allai’s first time in Ohio since we started talking, and I couldn’t wait to show him around the city I grew up in, the place that shaped so many of my memories. I wanted him to experience the little things that made my hometown special, so I took him to Crocker Park, a place filled with nostalgia.

As we walked through the streets, we stopped by The Chocolate Factory, where we picked out sweet treats, we laughed, shared stories and enjoyed the feeling of simply being together.

I had been looking forward to taking pictures in front of the beautiful water fountain, a moment to capture the day and hold onto the memories we were creating. But just as I was getting ready to pose, Allai did something that took my breath away.

He got down on one knee.

Time seemed to stand still. My heart pounded as he looked up at me, and in that instant, I knew this was it. This was the moment our love story truly began. I was so excited, I said yes, surrounded by the city that raised me, and the man who would be my future.

From that moment on, everything felt like a dream, one that we would spend the rest of our lives making into reality.