More of you readers than we care to admit will think you knew “our story” even before we did. The story could begin 6 years ago when Scott beat Jamie at a game of Codenames. Or in an MBA elective, catching each other’s eyes as the only two helpful people in the room. A tradition started of asking each other in the hall what the best part of their day so far had been, and a timeline of very out of order events would soon occur. 2020 First Time Almost Moving in Together Nothing brings people together like a global pandemic and “social distancing.” At least, that’s what happened when Jamie moved in with her and Scott’s mutual MBFF. Surprise parties, trips, & “tummy time” blossomed an organic friendship with love of adventure. A reverse New Girl almost saw Scott renting the basement until Jamie got cold feet. 2021 First Trip (with Jamie’s Mother) Jamie issued the call for friends to join her first Florida triathlon. Scott answered and held true as friends bailed, even only other traveler standing was Kris Cropper. Kris would go on to text Scott salmon recipes regularly and throwing up Hail Mary’s heaven would be slow to answer. A tradition of travel ensued as Scott & Jamie visited Puerto Rico with many road trips in between. 2022 First Family Holiday Adventures continued as the friend-family grew, with Jamie and Scott increasingly growing in trust, love, and appreciation. The more life changed, the more reliable the bonds grew. Scott would officially take his first full-Cropper Shasta trip, becoming adopted into the family just weeks before Jamie started dating someone else. While the invitation extended to hang out in Walnut Creek that Thanksgiving came from Jamie entirely innocently, it is suspected that behind the scenes efforts were made to make sure Scott was a welcome presence in the Cropper house. 2023 First Caricatures As fast as life moves, the most reliable thing they could count on was still each other. Carine & Scott quietly hoped for “single Jamie” to return. The wish was granted and even though Scott did exactly “swoop in,” life snapped into an easy rhythm. Scott took the responsibility make the year to follow the best of Jamie’s life, starting with birthday month. Two Vegas trips to see one Ed Sheeran concert, partnering with Kelsey for the best surprise, and lots of bread left him confident. 2024 Four Countries (and First Date) New Zealand, Mexico, Amsterdam, & Arusha. Uncountable miles, tacos, and many caricatures later, and Scott finally recognized feelings brewing. A simple question Scott likes to probe friends with is, “would you rather have one year with the love of your life, or a lifetime of happiness with someone slightly less?” hit home as he realized he wouldn’t trade anything for the last year. The best chapter in the story starts with Scott lingering at Jamie’s house to ask, “What would happen if I asked you on a date?” Three things would happen: 1. They would have a very stressful week, alleviated by Taco Bell on Wednesday, and the last first date of their lives. 2. Many of their friends and their friends’ mothers would cry (we choose to believe out of joy) upon hearing we were dating. 3. They’d spend months appreciating they had already been with their number one person and find ways to enjoy the late realization.