Reflecting on the enchanting journey to our engagement fills me with joy, marveling at destiny's twists and the love uniting us. It all started on a warm August day in 2023, when David bravely took steps to unite our families. With hope in his heart and excitement in his voice, he asked my daughter if she was comfortable with him becoming her stepdad. September brought a thrilling quest with David and our daughters to choose the perfect engagement ring, symbolizing our love and commitment in every chosen design. We planned a trip with our blended family, including four children and two spoiled dogs, aiming for a memorable family bonding experience. Then came February 2, 2024, a day of adventure and anticipation. Driving through North Carolina's snowy landscapes, a longing filled my heart, thinking about the unasked question despite three years of shared love and laughter. A scenic hike near a waterfall set the stage for the unforgettable moment. Turning to find David on one knee, ring in hand, emotions overwhelmed me as I rushed into his embrace, our children and dogs cheering in joy. This proposal was more than a question; it was a declaration of our love, family, and a future together. As we held each other, surrounded by loved ones, I knew our happily ever after had just begun. Embarking on this new chapter, we're eager for the adventures that await, our love growing stronger each day. Our engagement tale is a celebration of our journey, a testament to enduring love and unity.

Once upon a time, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our paths converged in the most unexpected and beautiful way. It was September 2019, a crisp afternoon filled with the promise of adventure. I, the bride-to-be, was embarking on a daunting journey of training for the Chicago Marathon. Little did I know, fate had a delightful surprise in store. As I laced up my running shoes and set out for a 20-mile run with a dear friend, little did I know that this would mark the beginning of our love story. Enter my now beloved fiance, who had recently joined the running club and decided to join us for part of our epic journey. Though he completed "only" 13 miles of the 20, his presence left an indelible mark on my heart. In that very year, as my fiance was bidding farewell to his military career, I found myself embarking on a new chapter, both literally and figuratively. I ventured to Lakewood Ranch, Florida, and embarked on the exhilarating journey of building a new home from scratch. It was during this time that I reached out to my future love for a recommendation for a fence installer. Little did I realize that this simple exchange would blossom into something extraordinary. March 20, 2021, marked a pivotal moment in our story. He journeyed to Sarasota, a glimmer of anticipation dancing in his eyes, for our first official date. Together, we strolled along the sun-kissed shores of Lido Beach, basking in the golden hues of a breathtaking sunset. With each step, we discovered newfound connections, shared passions, and kindred spirits. And so began a beautiful tradition that continues to this day. Week after week, he made the pilgrimage to Sarasota, our bond growing stronger with each passing moment. We soon realized that we were kindred souls, woven together by a tapestry of shared values, laughter, and mutual admiration. Our love story is one of synchronicity and serendipity, forged in the crucible of shared experiences and genuine affection. Our mutual love for our children, furry companions, running, adventure, and yes, avocado, served as the building blocks of our unbreakable bond. Together, we embrace life's adventures with open hearts and infectious laughter, each day an opportunity to cherish and celebrate our love. As we stand on the threshold of forever, preparing to merge our families and embark on the greatest adventure of all, we are filled with gratitude for the serendipitous twists and turns that led us to each other. Like two halves of a ripe avocado, perfectly complementing one another, we are ready to embrace the future hand in hand, forever entwined in love's embrace.