Back in school, I had feelings for my classmate but expressed them by teasing her. At graduation, I made a thoughtless joke that upset her. Soon after, I moved away for college, dated other women, but never found the same connection.

Five years later, a class reunion brought us back together. Seeing her, even more beautiful than before, I did something impulsive—I proposed in front of everyone! To my surprise, she said yes, leaving our classmates in shock.

Later, I learned she had loved me too. We married quickly, had two wonderful children, and recently celebrated ten incredible years together. Our love grows stronger every day. My only regret? The five years we spent apart.