For eight years, our paths crossed only in passing, connected through the warm bond of family and friendship. My best friend’s girlfriend—who would later become his wife—was her close cousin, and the two of them were inseparable. Because of that, we each knew of the other: a familiar name, a fleeting glimpse at gatherings, a quiet awareness that lingered in the background of our lives.
Over those years, fate seemed to tease us with imperfect timing. Life moved forward, carrying us along separate currents, yet never quite pulling us together.
Then, one day, everything changed. Her cousin casually mentioned that she was single again. For the first time, I truly saw her—not just as someone I’d known of for years, but as someone radiant, captivating, and full of possibility. I noticed how beautiful she was, how kind, and a quiet thought stirred within me: “This could be something special.”
As if the universe had been waiting patiently, the stars finally aligned. We met properly for the first time in Puerto Rico, surrounded by the island’s vibrant energy, warm breezes, and joyful spirit. The timing was perfect; the setting felt like a gift. We began talking—gently at first, then with growing ease—and discovered an effortless connection that surprised and delighted us both.
That night, in the lively heart of La Placita, we danced together for the first time, moving to the rhythm of salsa and possibility. A few days later, I asked her on a proper date. We went jet skiing across sparkling waters, laughing under the sun, sharing stories, and realizing just how much we had in common—values, dreams, humor, the little things that matter most.
When we returned to the mainland, the magic didn’t fade. If anything, it deepened. We fell completely in love, gently and surely, as though every moment we’d spent apart had only been preparing us for this. Everything felt perfectly right, perfectly timed—like we had always been heading toward each other, and at long last, we had finally arrived.
And now, she is my fiancée—the woman I waited eight years (without even knowing it) to truly meet.
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