Marshall moved to Texas from Oklahoma, and exactly two weeks later — on July 15, 2023 — our forever quietly began.

He’ll tell you he made the first move. I’ll tell you I simply set the bait. Either way, from that very first night, we both knew something felt different. I brought him to meet a big group of my friends that same evening, and he fit in like he’d always been there. I knew right then I had found someone special.

Marshall says he knew I was the one after I survived a concert night with family on the same night I met them. But if we’re being honest, it might have been when he watched me confidently take a champbong like a pro that sealed the deal.

Since that day, we’ve built a love full of laughter, loyalty, and a healthy appreciation for each other’s quirks. I lovingly tolerate his “old man” tendencies — the recliner throne, nonstop basketball, and the Weather Channel marathons. He patiently navigates my beautifully chaotic world, my OCD habits, and my occasional retreat into my bedroom when life gets a little too loud.

Every morning, he brings me coffee in bed — without fail. And I make him breakfast as often as I can, because loving him well matters to me. It’s in these small, steady acts that our love shows up the loudest.

Marshall is a good man with a huge heart and a true team mentality. He loves family and tradition, and he has embraced my family, my children, and my grandbaby as his own. Together, we balance each other — steady and spirited, grounded and bold.

What started as perfect timing has grown into a love that feels intentional, joyful, and meant to last.

And somehow, between the recliner and the champbong, we found forever.