From chance our paths initially crossed at a law school mock trial competition, but, we like to think that it was fate that brought us together. Our lives came full circle, when "our" love story was only just beginning....

Let me set the first of two scenes:

It's October of 2018. I, Sarah, your narrator for this story, am competing at the Queens District Attorney's mock trial competition. My team is in the final round of the competition.

Sarah's standing in the well of the courtroom, anxiously pacing back and forth going through her closing statement in her head, when a tall, handsome, and- well- loud man dressed in a suit comes through the door....late (of course). His voice, which carries through the courtroom, bursts out, "sorry I'm late! The show can't go on without the timekeeper. let's get started!" Sarah, startled by his voice, jumps up, gathers the pieces of evidence she intends to use and begins....

Sarah's team ended up winning that mock trial competition. One perk of winning? Interviews at the office. Sarah interviewed, the office extended an offer. She accepted. And the two began to both work for the office together in September of 2019.

Scene Two:

Fast forward to November of 2019.... Kevin Timpone's living room is filled with Sarah, Brian, and other Queens DA friends, who have become family. Red solo cups are flying, tinkering off of the edges of the mighty folding table, where ten or more friends are crowded, shoulder to shoulder, battling it out to win the title of "Kings Cup Champion."

Brian and Sarah are standing in a circle behind the festivities, chatting with one another. "Your last name, Elardo, sounds so familiar." Brian said. "I mean I know it's because you work at the office, but there's something else. How do I know you?" Sarah smirked, her cheeks felt flush as she looked up and locked eyes with him. "well, I think....I think I know your cousin!" She said excitedly, hoping her cheery voice would hide the fact that she stalked him on instagram and THATS where she saw a familiar face, and came to her own conclusion on Brian's family tree.

"My cousin, huh?" Brian chucked. "Okay, who's my cousin, then?" "Lauren Cox!" Sarah said. Brian's cheeks were now turning flush.... Was someone turning up the heat in the apartment?! "Lauren Cox isn't my cousin" Brian laughed. "That's my sister."

"Your sister?!" Sarah coughed as she choked on her beer. "Well, do I have a story for you. So, back in 2015, my brother, met your sister, on a cruise. They fell for each other... ~young love~." Sarah said with a smile as she locked eyes with his. "And, after the cruise, they continued to talk, long distance, texting and face-"

"Chuck. Fucking. Elardo." Brian interrupted Sarah. "I knew it!! I remember coming home from school and seeing them FaceTiming each other. Holy shit! Our siblings were in love.... we gotta get married!"

Sarah laughed, nodding her head, "Yes! That's my brother!" The two of them both laughed at the connection, called their siblings, and shared the story with them. Charles and Lauren texted, laughing at what a small world it was.

This was just a week before Charles passed away. Irony? Coincidence? We like to think that it was fate.

Fate brought us together.

Choice has made us best friends.

Destiny has made us a couple.

Love? Will always keep us together.

Brian, surely made fun of me for crafting this small short story, but if you're going to have a story, what's the point if not to share it! So, we wanted to share it with all of you.

We are so excited to share this special day with all of you.

Let the countdown begin!