Ben Simmons: When Two Worlds Become One

Welcome to Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, rich in American history. An iconic city with unmatched cheesesteak. But for me, this city has always been the sworn enemy. Growing up in Dallas, and being part of the Cowboys organization, I have been trained to see Philadelphia as the worst place in the world and to despise all of its inhabitants, whether they are Eagles fans or not. It was in my blood, my DNA, to scorn at the streets.

Yet, here I am, standing with Ben and his family, in front of the hotel the Sixers organizations arranged to accommodate us during out visit, in Philadelphia. Part of me felt like the biggest traitor in history; how could the 'Daughter of the Cowboys' step foot on the hated grounds, not wearing a Dallas jersey, and instead, looking forward to the tour we were about to embark on. But then, the other part of me realized this is my new home, and this is the city that singlehandedly made Ben's dreams come true. For that, I loved Philadelphia. Just, please do not tell my father or grandfather. Or, God forbid, Tony.

What looked to be a large black party bus pulled up to the curb and slowed to a stop. Out came, owner Joshua Harris, manager Bryan Colangelo, head coach Brett Brown, and center Joel Embiid. My eyes immediately met Liv's and we shared the same look of pure shock. All we had been told was that we would recieve a tour of the most famous landmarks by someone affiliated with the team, but we never imagined to be met by practically all of the organization leaders and one of the star players. Ben shook hands with everyone first, and gave Joel a typical 'bro hug'. "Welcome to the team," he said. "Thanks mate." Ben replied with a smile. Ben then introduced all of us, and we politely exchanged handshakes and smiles. "So, are you guys ready to see Philadelphia?" Mr. Colangelo asked, smiling. We all said yes simultaneously and followed the group onto the bus.

Remember in one of my Instagram posts from yesterday where I said I couldn't wait for all the future places Ben and I would be annoying tourists in? Well, Philadelphia is first on the list. We went everywhere - Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the steps where Rocky stands, both Geno's and Pat's cheesesteak (we all agree Geno's is better by the way), and LOVE Park. Yes, we posed for multiple pictures in each location. When we were standing in front of the LOVE sign, Ben and I stood facing each other with our arms wrapped around each other's waists.

I looked into his beautiful dark brown eyes, and smiled. Brown eyes are just brown eyes until you love someone with brown eyes. Now, they are the most beautiful color in the world. In the sunlight, they turn into golden rays, circling an eclipse. I could get lost in his eyes for hours. "It's so fitting that we will begin our married life together in the city of love," he kissed my lips softly, "Well, America's city of love." I giggled and wrapped my arms tighter around his waist. "I can't wait to marry you, love." He said, kissing my nose. "You are my everything." I took his right hand in my left, and nodded towards my engagement ring. "It's you and me. Through the good and bad. It's us against the world." To be honest, this made me the happiest girl in the world. My relationship with Ben made me realize why all of my past relationships failed, he has shown me what true love is. For the first time ever, I let all my walls down - I allowed myself to become completely vulnerable. I told him about my dreams, my fears, my desires, the things that keep me up at night, the things I hold closest to my heart. He knows my weaknesses and does not exploit them. He knows my flaws and accepts every single one. For the first time in forever, I have found someone who I know will always be by my side and someone I can trust to never even consider hurting me.

I looked through all of the pictures we took on my phone, 129 to be exact, and selected one to post. I picked one from when Ben and I were standing in front of the LOVE sign: I'm gonna love you more than anyone *red heart emoji*. Liv posted a picture of her and I walking through the streets, holding hands, with our backs to the camera: Exploring their new home! Can't wait to visit you two! *American flag emoji*.