We're Getting Married!

We met online. The good ol’ modern way. He liked one of my photos and, within 4.2 seconds, I sent him my number. No “hi,” no hesitation… just straight efficiency. After a little small talk, we planned to go out to dinner later that week. The day finally came, and Jeff texted me: “What’s your address? I’m at the gym now and will get ready here. Probably pick you up around 7–7:15.” And I remember thinking, “Who does this guy think he is? Going to the gym, getting ready there, doing the absolute bare minimum and being so chill and honest about it?” Meanwhile, I had just gotten off a long shift, exhausted, dramatic, and venting to my roommate Kaleigh: “I’m so tired! I don’t even want to go on this date. I don’t care what I’m wearing! But… do I look bad?” She just laughed and expected nothing less from me. So, there I was, standing outside, overthinking everything and wishing I was in bed. Then I see this truck, this very, very big truck pulls up. The door opens, and the first thing I see is a cowboy boot stepping out. At that moment, I instantly regretted my outfit, my attitude, my entire existence. I wish I could say I fell in love with his eyes or his smile… but honestly? It was the boot. Then the rest of him stepped out, and I thought, “Oh my gosh. Chassidy, pull out every cool girl card you’ve ever had. You CAN do this.” I look down at my outfit: skinny jeans, high-top Converse with hearts on them, a black turtleneck tucked in like Steve Urkel, and a brown blazer with gold buttons. I immediately blamed Kaleigh. But Jeff opened the door for me, and the entire drive was nothing but laughter, jokes, dancing, and more laughter. We talked about our families, the ones we came from, and the ones we hoped to build one day. And now, years later, here we are still dreaming, still laughing, and still talking about the babies we can’t wait to bring into this world.