We're getting married

On Christmas Eve, Edward was out delivering presents. Specifically, he was delivering copies of Loyalty, a board game he designed. Heading home, Edward’s plans were to enjoy Christmas day in Portland, then drive down to California for the rest of the break. Those plans ended as his transmission light went on. He pulled into the nearest parking lot and walked the rest of the way home. Knowing that he couldn’t find someone to fix it quickly and that the money to repair the transmission would eat any vacation money he had, Edward sorrowfully contacted his friends and notified them that he would no longer be coming. At home now with snow and ice accumulating outside, Edward contemplated a week of break that was now empty. In a spark of inspiration, he texted a girl named Alyssa that he had been chatting with on OkCupid and asked if she wanted to meet at the Grotto the day after Christmas. Amazingly, she agreed. On the day of the date, Edward took the bus and arrived at the Grotto a little early. He approached the Grotto’s gates, but they were locked! It was closed, likely due to the ice and snow. Edward shifted plans and texted Alyssa. He admitted in the text that he had taken the bus and, although this was not normal, asked if she could pick him up at the Grotto before they headed somewhere else. She agreed, and Edward waited in an ice-covered lot. Soon, Alyssa’s car pulled up and Edward got in. They said a quick hi, but another car’s lights beamed from behind, and it was clear the pair needed to move quickly. In a moment, Edward took in Alyssa’s beautiful eyes, smile, and the way she wore beanies. He also noticed that she also seemed to have an easy comfort and confidence despite this bizarre meeting. Alyssa pulled out onto Sandy (turning left), but it was hard to get traction on the ice. With a car oncoming, Edward panicked briefly, but the car pulled through unscathed. So it was that the adventure of a lifetime began with a transmission light.