Sam and Leonor met working in economic development in Puerto Rico. Sam worked hard to attract businesses and investment to the island, create jobs, and support local communities. Leonor was diligent in correcting Sam's timesheets and rejecting his business expenses. Clearly they were meant to be.

It started with a beer after work, here and there. Then Sunday morning yoga in the park. They loved doing yoga together. It was a ploy. Sam needed a way to see Leonor in yoga pants and ask her to breakfast. They bonded over their shared love of good coffee, mild exercise, and seeing each other.

Yoga was going great. Sunday coffee dates turned into dinners. There may have been some nervous kissing in parking lots.

One night over drinks, Leonor made it clear that she was a package deal. There was no dating Leonor without her kids, Mariana and Adriel. Sam met the kids, things went well, and Sam started realizing that he was joining a family. An endearing, beautiful, playful family.

A few key things happened. Sam met Tata and José. And against all odds he became a cat person.

Soon there were trips, camping, hiking, beach walks, Barcelona, anniversary travel to Portugal, Christmas in New Orleans, New York, meeting Nancy, meeting Jeff, cheering on the Vols in Knoxville, friends' weddings, anniversary celebration in Punta Cana, and infinite laughs.

Leonor switched jobs. Sam moved in. They decided that was a bad idea. Sam moved out. They decided that was also a bad idea. Sam moved back in.

Leonor continued to have an immeasurably positive influence on Sam. They gardened, exercised, grilled on their patio. Sam's relationship with Mariana and Adriel deepened. Christmases, birthdays, hiking trips, finding crawdads in Shenandoah, math homework, hiding mushrooms in Nana's food, Pokemon battles, English homework, chocolate tours in Fajardo, reading together, finding great views in el Yunque and dipping in hidden pools in Naguabo.

Everything was coming together.

One weekend, Sam planned a hike in Toro Negro for the family. He had a ring and an accomplice. Mariana was hired as the photographer, the snacks and waters were packed, and they hit the road. At the top of the island, Sam proposed. Mariana took the video. Adriel was shocked. And Leonor said yes.

Here we are, 6 months later.