In the summer of 2019, I worked at Eddie Bauer, a retail store. During one of those workdays, Joseph first walked into the store. He was just another customer, or so I thought. But as the days passed, I noticed something unusual—Joseph kept coming back, and he always seemed to need my help.

For two weeks, he would pop in and out of the store, buying clothes and asking me to assist him. It was sweet, though I convinced myself it was a coincidence. Then came the last day I was scheduled to work at that location before moving to a different store. That day, Joseph brought his mom along. As I helped them, I mentioned I would soon move to another store.

They left the store, and I figured that was the last I’d see of him. But to my surprise, Joseph came back alone shortly after. He picked out a shirt, and I helped him check out, just like always. As I handed him the bag, I asked if he needed anything else, half-expecting him to say no and walk out the door.

Instead, he surprised me. He asked for my phone number.

Without hesitation, I gave it to him. And that’s how it all started—our love story began with a few shopping trips on Joseph's part.

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