ONCE UPON A TIME In the corridors of North Little Rock High School, fate orchestrated an unexpected encounter between two souls. Cole, spurred by his friend's encouragement, impulsively enrolled in a debate class where Lily, opting for a mid-semester addition to her schedule, found herself placed six desks apart from him. Neither of them could have foreseen that their choices that September morning would set in motion events that would change both of their lives forever. What started as a friendship rooted in their mutual knack for argumentation quickly blossomed into something deeper as they discovered they were a formidable team, both on and off the debate stage. Little did they know, amidst the late-night case writing sessions and tournament preparations, they were quietly falling for each other. Despite the distance between them—Lily starting college at the University of South Alabama and her family residing in Germany, while Cole embarked on his final year of high school—their connection deepened. Each separation only served to reinforce the importance of trust, honesty, and unwavering support, laying the foundation for a love that could withstand any distance. After Cole’s final year in high school was cut short by a then-unknown virus, he decided to attend the University of South Alabama. Though he’d heard plenty of stories about the precarious decision to follow a girl to college, he was completely undeterred—he knew this girl was the one—plus a full ride didn’t hurt. Yet, the tumultuous backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic transformed their college experience. They leaned on each other for strength and solace through sickness and family hardships. They found refuge in pillow forts and movie marathons, developed new recipes, and started new traditions. These years were challenging for everybody, but Cole and Lily left college with a deeper love for one another, two college degrees, and two more cats than they started with. In the summer of 2023, they embarked on a new chapter, learning the art of creating and nurturing a home together. Amidst the simplicity of daily tasks, they discovered joy and love in curating a space of warmth and belonging. Their home became a beacon of hospitality, where gatherings with friends and family became cherished moments of togetherness. As they cultivated a love for gardening and savored the tranquility of soft evenings, their lives revolved around nurturing a haven of love and comfort. Then, amidst the festive cheer of the holiday season, against the backdrop of Pinnacle Mountain, Cole knelt and proposed. With the promise of a future together and the certainty of their love, they now embark on the journey ahead, knowing that as long as they remain by each other's side, their lives would be filled with love, warmth, and laughter. THE END