Our story began at work, where I jokingly reported Pete as the “creepy guy” hanging around the hospital reception area—only to find out he worked there. What started as an unexpected friendship grew slowly through laughter, trust, and countless conversations. During my difficult divorce, neither of us was looking for marriage or forever. But sometimes the best things happen when you’re not looking. Friendship became love, and love became the beautiful life we share today.

Is the weekend Pete took me to his high school reunion. We stayed at a charming bed& breakfast and from the moment we arrived, everything felt peaceful. His friends welcomed me like family and Woodstock reminded me of the town I went to high school. After years of walking on eggshells, it was the first time I truly could relax, exhale and I could be myself, let my guard down, and simply be happy. That weekend showed me what it felt like to be accepted, safe & loved.

We would use the $20,000 to take the honeymoon we never had. We were married in the hospital chapel while my mom was very sick, so our focus was on family, not a dream wedding or trip. We’d love to travel in Europe, Italy and Scotland together, exploring new places, making memories, and celebrating the love story that brought us here. It would be our chance to finally enjoy the adventure we put on hold and see the world hand in hand.