We’ve known each other since we were 17 — just two teenagers connected through mutual friends, sending the occasional “hope you’re doing well” text and cheering each other on through life’s milestones. Years passed, but somehow, we always found our way back into each other’s inbox.

One day, fate — and a trip to Roosevelt Field Mall — brought us face to face for the first time. Nick spotted Alexandra working in Macy’s makeup department, completely in her element, and stopped to say hello. He even offered her a ride home… which she declined. (It was snowing, and let’s just say she regretted that bus ride almost immediately, stranded in a snow storm.) From there, our conversations came and went in waves as life took us in different directions — Nick to Las Vegas to build his car rental company, Alexandra to her busy life as a nurse in New York.

Years later, a Valentine’s Day text rekindled something more. Soon, we were talking for hours, falling asleep on the phone, and realizing this wasn’t just a friendship anymore. Nick flew back to New York, and our “first date” — a pizza run in Manhattan followed by hours of talking in the car — turned into a second date at a fancy restaurant, and from there, we were inseparable. Even with hectic schedules and thousands of miles between us, we always made time for each other. Eventually, Alexandra moved to Las Vegas, where she formed a close bond with Nick’s beloved Nana, caring for her during her illness, and became very close to his entire family.

Three years later, life together feels full — with movie nights, travel adventures, trying new restaurants, and plenty of love from our little Maltipoo and Labrador. Then, in April, Nick told Alexandra’s mom and aunt — and his own mom and dad — that he was ready to propose. In Puerto Vallarta, he told her they were “going on a yacht”… but instead led her to a beach lined with mariachi band, a glowing “Will You Marry Me” sign, fireworks, and the biggest surprise of her life.

And now, here we are — still best friends, still laughing, still building the life we dreamed of, side by side.