When someone asks me the routine question, “How did you guys meet?” I always giggle a little before answering, “Well… there’s a technical way and an official way.”

 

Officially, Camaron and I met when I was working at a local coffee shop. He started coming through in the winter of 2020, and I instantly had a crush. As dorky and cliché as it sounds, I was never someone who was easily enticed—but Camaron was different. I was instantly intrigued and drawn to him.

 

In the months prior, I wasn’t in a place I was particularly proud of, nor was I feeling stable in my life. I had been praying for direction and clarity. I knew I was ready to start my life and find my partner, but I didn’t think I’d find him within 100 miles of Havasu. I prayed every day for God to close my mind and heart to anything that wasn’t His will and, when the time and person were right, for me to know. And He did. I began to see signs that, looking back, I now realize were preparing me for my prayers to be answered.

 

After Cam started coming through Joe’s regularly, I found myself feeling giddy as I got ready for my shift, hoping he would come in. Now, if you know me, you know I’m not a shy person who gets tongue-tied. I’m typically pretty social and outgoing, but when I served Camaron, it was as if I had suddenly become the most shy, dorky girl who forgot how to talk like a normal person. My friends and coworkers would make fun of me for hiding my hands in my sleeves so he couldn’t see them shaking from nerves.

 

This went on for a while until one day, a golden opportunity presented itself—Cam had stolen the pen from one of the clipboards we had for customers to sign their receipts. I took this as my chance and did something very daring… I slid into his DMs. I’ll never forget what I said because all of us girls cleverly came up with it together:

 

“Never thought I’d see the day a cop stole from me, but I guess you can keep the pen.”

 

He replied back, apologizing, and later that day, he returned the pen. From then on, we began messaging regularly.

 

We were both secretly a little intimidated, given that we knew there was an age gap, but the second we started spending time together, we didn’t even notice. Camaron and I never spent much time apart once we got together and moved rather quickly, but we had been open from the beginning about our intentions with each other—and they were mutual. We were both looking for a partner in life who was loving, loyal, and committed, and we knew instantly that we had found that in each other.

 

I’ll never forget telling my mom, after only about three weeks of seeing him, that I was going to marry him. I knew he was the man God sent for me—the man I had prayed for.

 

BUT, technically…

 

I saw Camaron for the first time about a year before all of this. One night, I was at a house party with friends. The night went on fine… that is, until the cops came. The party was busted, and the officers routinely told everyone to call it a night and go home, standing in the doorway as they waited for everyone to leave.

 

As I was making my way out, I saw Cam. Never in my LIFE had I seen a man look so damn good in a uniform. I decided to step aside to ‘wait for my friends’ by the door and even tried making conversation with the officers.

 

“How are you guys doing tonight?” I asked.

 

They didn’t even look at me.

 

To their defense, they probably thought I was just some immature young girl being obnoxious—which, in fact, I was.

 

My friends and I continued to leave the party, but not without making a couple more flirty catcalls back to the handsome Officer Hollis.

 

“OFFICER! YOU’RE CRIMINAL, BABY!”

“IT’S A CRIME TO BE THAT FINE!”

 

We drove off, still talking about how we couldn’t believe how attractive that cop was. The same friends I was at the party with that night were the ones I worked with at Colombian Joe’s, so they got to witness the pre-historic events of Camaron and I’s encounters—making it that much sweeter and funnier.

 

It really is a cute story, and I love telling it every time. If you haven’t heard it yet, I hope it makes you smile.

 

One thing I will forever be grateful for and never take for granted is Camaron’s love. I will always cherish the growth and journey of our relationship. I want nothing more than to create a home where he feels safe, secure, and unconditionally loved—just as he does for me—where we can continue to build a strong foundation for the future family we are so excited to create.

 

We're beyond grateful for the love we've found in each other, built on trust, loyalty, support, and a beautiful bond that continues to grow each day. This journey has been nothing short of incredible, and we feel so blessed to take this next step side by side. As we prepare to begin this new chapter, our hearts are full knowing we'll be surrounded by the people who have supported, loved, and shaped us along the way. We can't wait to celebrate this beautiful moment with all of you!