We met in the spring of 2021 through the Mutual App. Our first date went well enough that I felt like I should ask Brad on a second date. The night of our second date came and it started raining. We were both pretty discouraged as we had planned to meet at the park. Wanting this date to happen, we made it work. It was freezing outside but we still met at the park and sat underneath an awning drinking hot chocolate. Once it got too cold, we went and sat in my car and answered questions I had come up with. Brad had initiated this idea on our first date, and I loved it and wanted to continue it. We both thought it was important to get to know one another as much as possible within the first couple of dates to make sure we both wanted to continue dating one another. Our third date consisted of going to my grandparent’s house to use their neighbor’s fire pit to roast hot dogs and s’ mores. At the end of the date, Brad dropped me off at my car and held out his hand for a handshake. I was so confused! I thought the date had gone really well and that Brad wanted to go out again. So, when he held out his hand, I honestly thought I had blown it! Brad noticed the confused look on my face and let me know it was an inside joke. He then gave me a hug goodnight.

Our fourth date is one that I will never forget. I had major trust issues from things I experienced in my first marriage and was scared to open my heart again. I knew that this date would be the one where things between Brad and I would continue or they would stop altogether (although, I had a pretty good feeling that things were going to continue and Brad and I would develop a lasting relationship). Brad met me at a park (I had not yet let him pick me up at my house) where we talked and played card games. I told Brad about my medical conditions, as well as the fact that I couldn't have kids and would be adopting. Just like I thought, Brad was totally fine with everything he had just learned. At the end of the date, Brad walked me back to my car. I told him goodnight and as Brad turned to walk back to his car, he stopped, turned around, and kissed me! It felt like a Hallmark movie. After that date, I started to open my heart again and it didn’t take long to fall in love with Brad.

We were engaged at the beginning of August 2021 and it was a long three months before we got married towards the end of October 2021.