It all began in the spring of 2015, when I started working at Home Advisor. Marcus and I were just colleagues back then—though I’ll admit, I always thought he was incredibly handsome. Our careers moved in parallel: we both started as sales reps, and not long after Marcus was promoted to sales manager, I was too. Marcus quickly earned a strong reputation at work for his commanding presence, sharp wit on the phone, and above all, being a dedicated father.

Then came COVID, and we all shifted to working from home. For nearly three years, I didn’t see Marcus at all. But in September 2023, as the world slowly returned to normal, our company asked a few managers to lead the back-to-office initiative. Both Marcus and I volunteered. As fate would have it, he sat just one row behind me. I’d often find little excuses to swing by his desk, ask for his help, or strike up a quick chat. One day in late October, I offered to make him a custom MH email icon—something small, but apparently meaningful.

(According to Marcus, that was the moment. He always says I never gave him the time of day, but once I offered to help with the icon, he knew he had the green light.)

Soon after, I got a message from him asking if I’d like to grab dinner and catch a comedy show. I said yes without hesitation. That weekend turned into the start of something magical. By November, we were officially dating.

That Thanksgiving, I met Marcus' wonderful parents, Pat and Jim, and his sister Anasha. He told me I was the first woman he’d ever brought home for the holidays.

In mid-December, Marcus asked me to be his girlfriend—and of course, I said yes!

The year that followed was a whirlwind of laughter, adventure, and love. We rang in the New Year together in Orlando, watching Dayton play in the Citrus Bowl (which is also when I first met the sweet and demure Dayton). We traveled to Cancun in April, Vegas in May, and in June, we went to Disney World with my three little ones—Hanna, Adara, and Rocco. In October, Daunte gave us the sweetest surprise by returning home from Kuwait with a knock on the door.

I’ve never met a man as kind, honorable, and devoted as Marcus. He’s a phenomenal father and treats my kids as his own. Every day, he makes me feel loved and supported. I’m beyond grateful to spend forever with him.

I love our little family, and I can’t wait to celebrate with all of you in July!