Our story begins on a sunny day aboard a pontoon boat, where I met a fun and spirited guy named Andy. He had a contagious energy and a flamingo shirt that made me smile. When he asked me out, I gently let him know he might be a little too old for me. Without missing a beat, he said, “You should meet my friend Pete!” Moments later, a group text was sent—and just like that, Andy gave Pete and me the greatest gift: an introduction that would change our lives.

Pete and I had our first date at Sorellina’s, and from that night on, we were inseparable. Within a month, we both knew—we wanted to build a future together. It was time to meet the girls. The first time I met Lauryn and Vayda, I fell completely in love with them. In my heart, I knew they were the daughters I had always prayed for.

The next several months were filled with joy and memory-making: weekend trips to waterparks and apple orchards, our first Christmas as a family, and countless cozy movie nights.

As time went on, Pete and I began dreaming aloud about the life we were creating—one that included sandy beaches and a break from the snow. A Caribbean vacation quickly became part of the conversation. Pete seemed especially excited about it, while I kept teasing, “Pete, it’s just a vacation—it’s not going to change our lives!”

But he had something else in mind.

Under the glow of a full moon, at the top of a cruise ship, with only the stars as witnesses, Pete proposed. It was quiet, magical, and perfectly us.