Technically, Sam and Jesse matched on two different dating apps before ever meeting. Well… as far as they knew. At first, they exchanged a few classic “get to know you” messages on Hinge: Jesse boldly proclaiming that she would one day take over the fashion industry, and Sam bragging about his extensive resume of athletic accolades. Although Jesse couldn’t help but roll her eyes, she also couldn’t help but be impressed when Sam casually mentioned his 2002 induction into the prestigious Fox Meadow Elementary School Wall of Fame. Little did Sam know, Jesse had also graduated from Fox Meadow — class of 2004 — and remembered gazing up in awe at Sam’s name on the venerated Wall of Fame every time she walked into gym class. Naturally, she figured this was the perfect opportunity to meet the man behind the legend. Jesse handed over her number posthaste. After introducing himself as “Sam with the cute smile from Hinge,” Sam — in a decision he now fully regrets — almost ended this love story before it even started. He completely forgot to follow up and schedule a date. In his defense (a defense he clings to), the text exchange happened during that lost week between Christmas and New Year’s — a time Sam circles on the calendar each year for his annual darkness retreat. Thankfully, a couple months later, Sam and Jesse matched again — this time on Lox Club. Sam, true to form, had completely forgotten ever having matched with Jesse before. Jesse, true to form, immediately called him out. In an attempt to recover swiftly (and avoid blowing it twice), Sam threw a Hail Mary, sending what Jesse still refers to as hands down the smoothest text she’s ever received from a man: “Hi Jesse, this is Sam with the cute smile from Lox Club. The Sam from Hinge is disorganized and forgetful and Lox Club Sam apologizes on his behalf.” With a text like that, who could say no? On their first date, Jesse and Sam realized just how small the world really is. They had grown up 0.3 miles away from each other in Westchester, somehow never meeting — though their dads knew each other from years of hotly contested Sunday morning basketball games. In a twist that now feels oddly fitting, Sam’s dad was famous for enthusiastically (and questionably) calling Jesse’s dad’s foot over the line on every three-point attempt. From that first date night, everything just clicked. Jesse brought a calming presence, quick wit, and enveloping kindness Sam didn’t even realize he needed. And Sam brought child-like enthusiasm and zest for life, a highly regimented lifestyle marked by meticulously scheduled 15 minute intervals, and, of course, a lot of gratitude for second chances. Together, they’re forever thankful for stubborn dads, persistent algorithms, and a love story that took a few tries to get just right.