Our story began in Spokane, Washington—at a time when both of us were quietly rebuilding our lives and dreaming about brighter days ahead.

Amber was a devoted single mother of three who had made the courageous decision to return to school. She was determined to create a future filled with opportunity, stability, and joy for her children. With determination in her heart and love guiding every step, she set out to earn her degree and build the life she knew her family deserved.

At the same time, Andy had just completed his military service and was beginning the transition back into civilian life. After navigating a difficult chapter of his own, he decided it was time for a fresh start. College seemed like the perfect place to begin again—somewhere he could pursue new passions, rediscover himself, and see where life might lead.

Fate brought them together at Spokane Falls Community College, where they were paired as work-study students in the Admissions and Registration department.

At first, they were simply coworkers—two people from very different backgrounds who happened to share a desk, a workload, and the quiet determination to move forward in life. Day by day, they learned how to work together, help each other through busy days, and share small moments of laughter between tasks.

Before long, a friendship began to bloom.

Amber loved the way Andy could talk endlessly and passionately about music, art, and the adventures of his beloved dog. Andy loved how Amber listened to his wonderfully awkward conversations—whether he was rambling about hotdogs, odd historical trivia, or whatever strange thought crossed his mind that day.

For more than a year they built a friendship rooted in kindness, laughter, and mutual support. Both were healing from past relationships, and neither was quite ready to take the leap from friendship into something more.

Eventually Amber graduated and moved on to the next chapter of her journey, while Andy stayed working at the college after finishing his degree. Life carried them in different directions, and for a while their paths drifted apart.

But sometimes the right story just needs a little time before the next chapter begins.

About a year later, Amber received a message on a dating site from someone named “Drew.”

"Hi, I think we used to work together. Do you remember me?"

Confused, Amber replied,

"I'm sorry, I don't think I know a Drew. Where did we work together?"

The answer came back:

"You might remember me as Andrew… or Andy. We worked at SFCC."

Amber’s heart immediately skipped a beat.

"Oh my gosh, yes I remember you! How have you been?"

After a few messages back and forth, they decided to meet up—and from that moment on, everything began to fall beautifully into place.

For Amber, it wasn’t fireworks or grand dramatic sparks. Instead, it was something even more meaningful: a deep sense of comfort, warmth, and belonging. Being with Andy felt safe and steady, like finding home in someone’s presence.

Not long after, Andy was introduced to Amber’s children.

Like any new beginning, there were challenges. Andy was stepping into a role he had never imagined for himself. The boys were unsure about this new person entering their lives and made sure to test him along the way. Meanwhile, Hadly quickly decided that Andy was one of her favorite people and stuck close to him whenever she could.

Through patience, humor, and an incredible amount of heart, Andy embraced every moment and every challenge.

Over time, something beautiful began to grow.

What started as two people simply trying to rebuild their lives slowly blossomed into a family—learning together, supporting one another, and building a future filled with love, laughter, and new adventures.

And now, this next chapter begins with a celebration of the life we’ve built and the love that brought us here.