It all started with a Hallmark Christmas Movie Night, and quickly became our own real-life Hallmark movie. We've had the pleasure of telling this story to many of you, but like any good Hallmark movie, it never gets old. So here we are, a cold December night, Christmas lights glowing, me running around the house chasing two small children. Enter Ashleigh, cold air blowing in as the door is shut. Time slows, our eyes lock, hi's are exchanged, sparks fly, time speeds up. Back to running. Ashleigh gets pulled further from me as she's welcomed by friends. By the time we sat down to watch a movie, we hadn't had the chance to say another word to each other. Now insert THAT energy, sitting at opposite ends of the couch, sideways glances, continually making the same comments about Aubrey Plaza, one long conversation about travel, ultimate, and life philosophies over a bowl of chili, and a rushed good bye. Magic. So naturally I texted Ashleigh asking her out IMMEDIATELY (spoiler alert: she said yes). Fast forward to our first date on Christmas Eve (also magic) and then our first kiss on Christmas (more magic). Like I said, our own Hallmark movie.

Our mutual friends, Sara and Ariel, invited the two of us to join them for a Hallmark Christmas movie night. I am completely smitten with Hallmark movies and I have often dreamt of my own Hallmark love story. The date was set. December 19, 2021. The thought of baked goods and sappy, Hallmark Christmas movie magic made my heart sing with joy. I arrived in a bustle and was quickly welcomed inside by Ariel and Sara. A loud racket sounded from another room, and the most incredibly beautiful woman came running into the foyer being harried by two rambunctious children. People often wonder what it feels like when you see your person for the first time and something deep inside just knows. The universe seemed to slow, and time seemed to freeze. Everything melted away as we locked eyes for the first time in our lives. It was as if nothing else existed. Heather introduced herself in that frozen moment, and my heart skipped a beat as I managed to squeak out my name. Time sped back up. The two littles quickly pulled Heather away wanting to continue their game, and a piece of my heart flew after them. Ariel began to give me a tour, and as interested in the beautiful house as I was, I could not stop thinking about the incredible woman that had just fluttered into my life. I wanted to leave the tour and join Heather in the game she was playing with the kids. It was not to be. We soon made our way to the couch where we would watch the movie. At opposite ends of the couch, I could not help but feel that the distance between Heather and me was an impossibly large gulf. Side note: I was wearing a cute and cozy cardigan over a tank top. Under the guise of it being a little too warm, I removed the cardigan in a bid to show off my arms and shoulders to Heather. After a quick change of plans with the movie due to a glaring lack of gay women represented, Heather and I called for The Happiest Season. We spent the entire first half of the movie making different comments in agreement. Aubrey Plaza is queen. There was a vibe. At the intermission over a bowl of chili, things began to heat up. I discovered that the college ultimate frisbee team that I coached was started by Heather over ten years ago. If there ever was a sign, this was a glaring one. We quickly discovered that many of our philosophies on life, travel, and people were in sync. My heart! I needed to know more about this incredible woman. After the movie, I had to leave abruptly. I had a long drive back to the Charm City and an early morning ahead. After a quick group photo and not knowing if I would see Heather again, I was out the door. On the drive home, my mind continuously wandered back to Heather. Before I returned home, I received the surprise of my life. One that would change the course of my life forever. "Hey, Ashleigh! It's Heather! I had a wonderful time meeting you tonight, and I would love to get to know you more!" Checkmate. Heather had texted me before I had even made it home, AND she wanted to get to know ME more. I was over the moon. At home, I responded immediately. We quickly set our first date. Looking for a lost sock on a long Christmas Eve walk. It. Was. Magical. Things progressed quickly after that. There might have even been a little enchantment involved.