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We met in April 2021 on the Square in San Marcos at the end of finals week. After noticing Brooke across the bar, Caimen’s roommate encouraged him to introduce himself. He walked over, asked Brooke’s name, and offered to buy her a drink. We exchanged numbers that night but briefly lost touch once summer began. A few weeks later, we reconnected while both on family vacations and quickly realized how much we had in common.

When we returned to school, weekends on the Square soon became routine until Caimen suggested a proper first date—sushi, Brooke’s favorite. The plan was dinner and a movie, but when the theater was sold out, we stayed and talked for hours instead. Our first date lasted seven hours.

From early on, we both felt certain we had found something rare. Somehow we met against the odds—and reconnected against them too. Over the years, our relationship has grown alongside the life we’ve built together, from sharing our college years to eventually moving to the same city after Brooke graduated.

In November, Caimen planned a surprise staycation that included a private wine tasting. As the evening came to a close, he got down on one knee and asked Brooke to marry him. We celebrated that night with family overlooking the city where we first said, “I love you.”

We can’t wait to celebrate the next chapter together with everyone we love!