At a happy hour in May 2019, Paul was jabbering on and on about wanting to find the love of his life. His coworker, Grace, texted a friend, "Are you looking for dates these days?" After getting some deets, Taryn thought this P.E. teacher sounded far too sporty, but she didn't say no. Three months later, when Paul asked her on a date, she didn't say no either.

Everything started slowly: A coffee here, a walk there. Then one night, they opened up to each other and shared some of their secrets. Not the silly ones, like Taryn having a fake tooth, or Paul being unable to win at left-handed thumb war, but the serious ones. The secrets that shaped their lives and selves. That's when the relationship, which had been incrementally building, really began to sprout.

For a few months in Winter 2019-2020, they enjoyed each other's company and grew closer. Then the pandemic hit and they had a choice: move in together, or remain apart. They made the right decision and Paul became Step-Dad to Theo, their tabby cat. Quarantining for months, they found that the more time they spent together, the happier they were; content to watch the world burn as their hearts simmered.

Paul planned the proposal for April 2022, on a family trip with the Gardners to the Grand Canyon, one of the most majestic sites in the world. With the sun falling, the wind blowing, and Taryn's face glowing, Paul would drop to one knee. Backed by the blessing of Taryn's family, he would confess his feelings and ask to spend his life side by side with Taryn, intertwined in love. The photos would be amazing. Instead, Paul couldn't wait that long.

And so, on February 12th, Paul asked the question: Do you want one M&M now, or two M&Ms later? Like any other sane person, Taryn was thoroughly confused. Once she realized Paul was proposing, Taryn said yes, and followed that answer with an incredible bout of sob-laughter. To at least one person in the world, it was the most beautiful moment ever beheld.

They continue to build their relationship day by day, learning how to best love and care for one another. They feel lucky.