Sean and I first met on a chilly February day at the Phil & Sebastian coffee shop in the neighborhood of Inglewood in Calgary. Over steaming beverages, we eagerly exchanged thoughts on anything and everything, losing track of time in our conversation. Before we knew it, we were outside in the brisk air, saying our goodbyes. Not long after, we messaged each other, both hoping to meet again soon.

Early in our relationship, Sean met my dog, Swanson. It was love at first sniff—especially since Sean came prepared with a treat in hand! From that moment on, they’ve been the best of pals.

Meeting Sean's cat, Zephyr, didn't go quite as smoothly, but it didn’t take long for me to win him over. Though he's known for being a spirited cat, he now happily curls up on my lap while I work at my computer. Swanson and Zephyr have developed an undeniable friendship in the last year of being roommates. Though they would never admit it, they always seem to end up sleeping on the bed together. Zephyr has a habit of 'accidentally' knocking food off the kitchen counter, much to the delight of Swanson, who eagerly waits below. And when we all return from a trip away with Swanson, it's clear Zephyr missed Swanson most of all.

One memorable trip took place this past Labour Day weekend. By 5 p.m. on Friday, Sean, Swanson, and I were packed in the car, our camping gear loaded, and the city quickly disappearing in the rearview mirror. Our destination: Beaver Mines Lake Campground in the Crowsnest Pass. We arrived, set up camp, and before nightfall, we were toasting with beers and enjoying a campfire-cooked meal.

The next day was spent in pure relaxation—savoring meals cooked over the fire, watching Swanson splash in the lake, and playing card games at the campsite. After supper, we took a walk down to the lake, giving Swanson another chance to swim off some energy while we soaked in the sunset. The lakeshore was peaceful, with just a few people fishing nearby. Soft music drifted from a small boat across the water, adding to the serene atmosphere. We found a large rock on the beach to sit on and watched as Swanson eagerly dug a hole in the sand.

Behind us, Table Mountain loomed through the trees, looking so surreal it almost seemed like a painting. We wanted a better view, so we climbed a small hill that opened into a clearing. The sunset bathed the mountain in a warm glow, and as I turned to share the moment with Sean, I found him down on one knee, grinning, holding out a ring box. 'Will you marry me?' My hands flew to my face, and I immediately said, 'Of course!' He jumped up, and we hugged, laughing through our tears. We snapped a few photos—our faces shiny with tears, cheeks flushed, eyes sparkling.

Meanwhile, Swanson was having the time of his life, happily digging holes, chewing on sticks, and splashing in the water, blissfully unaware of the romance unfolding. Once back at the campsite, we roasted marshmallows and toasted our future with cider-filled enamel mugs.