*Reader is advised to adopt a dramatic Victorian accent for maximum enjoyment.

Once upon a time in the great city of Dallas, two West Texans were unknowingly set upon a most fortunate course.

In the autumn of 2024, Lily—newly appointed trainer, scarcely two days into her post at Equinox—offered a cold towel to Baylor: newly arrived in the city, strikingly handsome, and wholly unaware that his presence would soon disrupt her professionalism. A gym crush was promptly established.

What followed for weeks were brief conversations, cautious smiles, and many nervous glances exchanged across the gym. Until Baylor, kind and brave, resolved the matter by asking Lily to dinner.

That very night Baylor arrived in a red, self-driving, electric-powered steed, causing Lily a moment of understandable concern. What would her father think of his most beloved daughter being swept off by a gentleman not in a gas-guzzler? Yet Baylor’s impeccable manners soon prevailed, and after a brief internal debate, Lily entered the carriage.

Greenpoint on Knox bore witness to their first date together. Everything aligned at once. Lily, convinced such perfection could not possibly endure, spent the night certain this would be both the first and final date with her dream man. Baylor ensured it was only the beginning. All sensible rules of courtship were immediately abandoned. They saw one another nearly every day for the next month and fell swiftly into love. Baylor still maintains she is loved slightly more, having been the first to say it (a claim Lily neither confirms nor denies).

Early on, Baylor arranged a surprise outing to the Arboretum. The evening was cold. The rain was persistent. Neither complained. They walked on, soaked and laughing, making a valiant effort to appear unbothered. While far from ideal, it proved to be excellent luck.

One year later, Baylor returned Lily to that very place. Though rain threatened once more, the heavens paused just long enough for him to kneel, for Lily to say yes, and for a promise to be made. On January 9th, they were engaged.

Now they adventure, pray, laugh, and build a life together—grateful for where they’ve been and eager for what comes next. They are deeply in love and most ready for their happily ever after.