It was Brandon's mother's birthday party, a family gathering filled with laughter, wine, and food wafting through the air. I never expected anything more than a fun evening to celebrate a milestone.

There was an instant connection — one of those rare moments where the world seemed to pause. We talked for hours, getting lost in conversation about everything from our childhoods to our dreams for the future. The miles between us — me living in Texas and him in California — seemed insignificant as we laughed and shared our hopes. As the party wound down that night, I felt an undeniable pull toward him. But, of course, neither of us could have known that we were about to embark on a journey that would change our lives.

The first few weeks were easy. Late-night calls, texts, and messages made the miles feel less than. But as time passed, the reality of a long-distance relationship began to set in. We had no shared space or regular routines — just flights, time zones, and occasional weekend visits. Yet, every time we were together, the connection was undeniable. It felt like time slowed down, and every moment we spent in each other's presence was a gift.

Over the months, our bond deepened. We learned each other's habits—his need for morning coffee, my penchant for late-night conversations. We spent countless hours on video calls, watching sunsets together through a screen, cooking meals while chatting, and sharing every detail of our days. Sometimes, we lived two parallel lives, worlds apart but entirely in sync.

But with every love story, there are challenges. The miles were often overwhelming. The goodbyes at the airport grew harder, the longing more intense. There were times when I wondered whether a long-distance relationship could ever work. But every time I saw him, heard his voice, or felt the warmth of his hand in mine, I was reminded of why we fought to stay connected — because I loved him. And I knew he loved me just as well.

We made it work. Zip codes or time zones didn't confine our love. And here we are taking this enchanting step, sharing the same city and soon-to-bo last name.