On December 18, 2021, a string of chance encounters set the stage for something neither of them saw coming. Cole had just moved from Augusta, Georgia, and barely had 24 hours to settle in before reconnecting with an old college friend in San Diego. That friend, as luck would have it, would meet up with another mutual friend —who just so happened to be Jess’s best friend and roommate. And just like that, under the iridescent glow of Bootlegger’s in Gaslamp, Jess and Cole crossed paths for the first time. The night kicked off with laughter, particularly over the fact that Jess had just come from the worst date of her life. Cole, never one to miss an opportunity, joked that he should personally thank the guy for setting him up with an "easy layup." As the drinks kept flowing, the banter didn’t miss a beat, and at some point in the night, Cole leaned over to Jess’s best friend and said, “Yeah… I’m going to marry your roommate.” (pop offfffff manifesting king 👏) After a few $17 cocktails, Cole confidently declared, "You're coming home with me." Jess, unimpressed but mildly entertained, responded with a firm "No." Unfazed, Cole persisted, convincing Jess that they should at least hang out. She countered with an unexpected invitation—a wholesome family dinner with her roommate’s parents the next day. That night, over Mexican Train, card games, and tater tot casserole, they got to know each other beyond the bar lights and bad drink choices. As the evening winded down and neighbors started rallying for a night out, fate intervened again. Murphy, Jess’s golden doodle, suddenly fell gravely ill from saltwater poisoning. Plans for partying were immediately replaced with an emergency vet visit. Without any hesitation, Cole stayed behind to help - proving in just one night that he might just be someone worth keeping around…. From there, Jess found herself with a $1,600 vet bill and endless belly laughs from a guy who would eventually become her husband.