Our love story...

Alex and I have known each other for most of our lives, we started dating when I was 12, he was my boyfriend for about a week, but then got "serious" in 2001 when I was 14 and he was 15. We went to my high school prom together, he drove me up to New Paltz my first year and continued to visit, we basically grew up together. Our young love has matured into that I can't live without you kind of love.

Zoe came into our lives in 2009 and was the greatest gift God could give us. Becoming parents was a whirlwind in itself, I was fresh out of college learning how to be an adult and he was scared straight into being a father. We needed time to grow up and figure out who we were but that didn't necessarily mean we were going to do it together, we separated and co parented for 7 years. This was a time in my life where I can honestly say I learned that the grass isn't always greener. I lived my life but never was able to open my heart because it already belonged to Alex.

By the end of 2016 we both were in a place in which we could no longer deny ourselves of each other. I had a few deaths in my family and a sick grandmother that sent me to a dark place and Alex was my light. He helped me get through it all and made me realize my complete family was what was truly most important to me. I was also his light and gave him the opportunity to be the best man/father he could be. We both opened our hearts and let love lead us back to each other. Zoe was thrilled to have her mom and dad back together and it just felt right.

My grandmother eventually passed ( R.I.P Mami Nelsie) and we stood by each other as a family as I know she would have wanted. Another sign that tomorrow is not promised we spent the rest of the year travelling as a family, making great memories and appreciating each other.

For my birthday Alex and I went to Cancun, this was our first trip alone without Zoe and that's when he proposed. The plan was to go to the best restaurant at the resort but Alex was not dressed properly so we ended up having to eat at the buffet. I was highly disappointed but the staff did their best to make sure we had a great night regardless and made us a special dinner instead of having to eat from the buffet... I give these details as more of an example that regardless of where you are or what you hope to happen life is really God's plan not your own. After dinner Alex and I went for a stroll on the beach and I was stunned by the beauty of all of the stars in the sky and the lights along the beach, I turned to look at Alex and he was down on one knee to my surprise. I was shocked and overwhelmed with emotion that it didn't hit me right away. I of course said yes and text my sister right away but it wasn't until we were at Coco Bongo that I started to cry tears of joy about my life changing evening. Yes I cried in the middle of the most popular night club in Cancun.

The man who has seen me grow from a pre-teen to a woman will now be making me his wife. To repeat history is a risk but to lose love is a tragedy.

Xoxo,

Eve

• Hilton Garden Inn- Old Westbury

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