I first came across the name "Grant Slack" in my email's inbox. As contact person for our church's 20-something's Bible study group, House, Grant had requested information on learning more about the group. I sent my little happy blurb about our friends and where he could join us for Bible study, and wouldn't you know the next week in walks this blue-eyed, Clark Kent look-alike. Over the next few months there were countless studies, dinners, and gatherings that allowed for me to watch and listen to Grant and witness his character. It was obvious how strong and confident he is in his actions and the type of influence he has on those around him. He is the type of person who demands respect, yet has a kind and reserved spirit. He is a good man. So, it was easy to fall for him. But I wasn't sure of his feelings for me. Was I just a good friend to venture to car shows with and laugh with at parties or was I a bit more? I decided to try my cards and find out. G's parents were out of town one weekend and I was lucky enough to be offered my parents' Corvette to drive for a friend's wedding. Knowing how much G would coo over the car, I offered to pick him up and take him to church in style Sunday morning. We cruised around town, him going over all the mechanics of the car, until I dropped him back off at his house. Then, before he exited the Vette (and forgot his lunch leftovers in the passenger seat), he asked me if he could take me on a date "just one on one" sometime. I smiled and nodded. We didn't define any actual day or time, but I did find out his feelings for me. I zipped away laughing to myself. And the funnier part? The date turned out to be that evening! Neither of us had plans and the weather was absolutely perfect, so we went for a hike at Grand Mere State Park. And the rest is history...

The Lead Up

His Story

I began attending First Church when I moved back to St. Joe and knew I needed a deeper level of involvement in the church than just attending Sunday service. I found out about a 20-30's Bible study group called "House" so I gave my contact information looking for more details not knowing what to expect. When I received the invite to the group, I remember initially thinking how kind the person behind the words in the email must be. As I read further and reached the end of the email, I saw the name of the woman writing, Ashley, and then saw her accompanying profile picture. I thought that I had just seen the most beautiful woman in my life. I remember entering my first day of House and looking across the room to see Ashley, wrapped in a blanket. At that moment I realized I was completely unprepared for this encounter. As our eyes met, she said, "Hi" and smiled. I returned a shy hello and sat on the couch adjacent her. As I sat there, I remember thinking how beautiful her blue eyes were and that she was even more adorable in person. Throughout the night it was hard not to seem like a creeper as I couldn't help myself from stealing glances in her direction. Over the next few months we came to know each other better while interacting through the House group. And I came to realize that she wasn't only extremely beautiful, but that I admired how smart and strong she was in her faith and relationship with the Lord as well. As some things in our lives shifted for the better, we were better able to pursue one another. However, I wasn't sure exactly where she stood with our relationship, until one weekend Ashley invited me to the Lane Auto Show. She also offered to come and pick me up for church in her parents' 2016 Chevy Corvette. It all started making sense, and she had figured out the way to my heart: through four wheels and engines. I asked her on an official date that day, and like Ash said, the rest is history!