Chapter 1: The First Meeting

We first crossed paths at 13, both in year 9, but there was no fairy-tale beginning. Hanson had a girlfriend, and I had zero interest in him. Our interactions were limited to the school gym, where we’d awkwardly share the space during lunch—Hanson, Lanky Sam, and me. Nothing more.

A whole year passed without exchanging a single word. But fate had other plans.

We found ourselves in the same sports science class, and I was drowning in physiology. Desperate not to fail, I turned to Hanson for help. He was the obvious choice—smart, patient, and always respectful, especially since he was still very much taken. But what started as a few tutoring sessions turned into a real friendship. No romantic inklings—just two people who genuinely enjoyed each other’s company. Or so I thought…

Chapter 2: Growing Closer

Summer 2013 rolled around, and Hanson needed a job. I was determined to get promoted from pot washer to barista at the café where I worked, so I recommended it to him.

Big mistake! Hanson got hired and promoted before me. Yep, I was still stuck pot-washing while he wore his barista badge with pride (and no, I’m not bitter…okay, maybe a little).

But working together every weekend only strengthened our friendship. He became my partner in crime—the one who’d mop the floor when I was too tired, share his lunch when mine went cold, and walk me home after long shifts. I was head over heels before I even knew what was happening. My best friend had become my whole world…and he still had a girlfriend.

Chapter 3: Confession Night

Then came the carnival—the biggest night in our tiny town, where every teenager showed up dressed to impress.

My parents were away, which meant no curfew. I was buzzing with excitement because Hanson had told me a week earlier that he was thinking of breaking up with his girlfriend.

I was convinced tonight was the night we’d finally be free to be together. But…he hadn’t broken up with her. I couldn’t take it anymore. I stormed up to him, pulled him aside, and poured out my heart in the most awkward, messy way possible:

“I love you. She doesn’t deserve you. You’re my best friend…”

It was dramatic. It was chaotic. It was everything I feared—but it worked. That night, Hanson broke up with her. He called me later, and just like that, our story began.

Of course, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. The next few years were messy—full of ups and downs, fights, and makeups. But the love we shared, even at that young age, was bigger than both of us. To everyone who loved and supported us through it all—thank you. You know who you are.

Chapter 4: The Years Apart

In 2016, our paths diverged. Life pulled us in different directions, and we both dated other people. But no matter where we were or who we were with, we always seemed to find our way back to each other, even if just for a “catch-up” … more like a cheeky flirt.

The last of these fleeting moments was in June 2022. I was visiting the UK and wanted to see him, but fate had other plans—Hanson had COVID (in 2022! Seriously?). I was annoyed but didn’t think much of it.

Chapter 5: The Rekindling

Christmas 2022 came around, and I flew back to Derbyshire to surprise my dad. A casual lunch at the local pub turned into something far more magical.

I was facing away from the door, chatting with someone at the next table, when I heard his voice. My heart stopped. I turned around—and there he was.

Six years later, standing in front of me. We hugged, caught up over lunch, and spent the next two weeks glued to each other’s sides. I was due to fly back to South Africa just after New Year’s, but before I left, we had the chat.

Chapter 6: Building Our Life

I had nine months left on my lease in Cape Town and wasn’t ready to leave just yet. But we made long distance work. Hanson visited me, and those months apart became an unexpected blessing. We relearned each other—talked for hours, rediscovered old dreams, and built new ones. (Because let’s be real—watching movies over FaceTime just isn’t it.)

In September 2023, we finally moved in together and started building our home. And then, in February 2024, Hanson got down on one knee and asked:

“Can you hold my phone while I tie my shoelace?”

Just kidding! You know the question he asked.

I said yes—and burst into tears. In that moment, I felt like I was 14 again, staring at the boy I had loved for over a decade—but now, he was the man I’d get to spend forever with.

The Next Chapter

Life took us down many different paths to teach us what we needed to learn. And in the end, it brought us back to each other—stronger, wiser, and ready.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading our story. It’s an honour to share these memories with you. And if I left anything out…well, what a great conversation starter for the wedding!