OUR GREATEST ADVENTURE YET

Those who know us would not be surprised that Erica and I first met at a brewery; the date was July 1, 2017. I was hanging out with some friends, and Erica showed up with my friend’s significant other with whom she worked. Erica says that she was instantly attracted to me; however, I was in a relationship at the time, and all we shared that night was normal conversation before going our separate ways. Fast forward to December 15, 2017; I’m a single man at my friend’s Christmas party, and like before, Erica showed up after being invited by the same coworker. Initially thinking I was unavailable, Erica says she kept her distance; however, Erica quickly set out to ‘claim me’ once she learned about my updated relationship status, and we talked throughout the night. Our conversations continued throughout the holiday season from afar as we individually spent time with our family and friends; it was during that time that we started to truly understand the extent of our common interests. Fast forward one last time to January 17, 2018; Erica and I were supposed to have our first real date, but it was snowing and I didn’t have a winter worthy vehicle to take out onto the roads. Refusing to be denied, Erica picked me up in her Subaru, and we made our way to a favorite beer bar in Norfolk. We spent the night having good beer and good food, but most importantly, we were able to have the same great conversations we had by phone over the past month in person. As we talked about our love for family, friends, and yes, beer among other things, I realized the true beauty of Erica’s heart. I knew I wanted Erica’s ever present smile in my life after that night, and we have been together ever since.